Vaca Muerta energy sector sees drilling records and US$230 million in new investment bids

YPF and Baker Hughes have achieved two drilling records in the Vaca Muerta formation. Using specific technology and integrated planning, the companies set new benchmarks for speed and length in 6¾-inch production sections. One operation completed 5,603 meters in a single run, finishing 3.3 days ahead of schedule. A second operation reached a length of 5,751 meters in a single section, including a 4,770-meter lateral, which was originally planned to be executed in two stages.

In a separate development in the Neuquén province, Gas y Petróleo del Neuquén (GyP) has received economic bids for new areas within Vaca Muerta as part of the Neuquén Exploratory Plan (PEN) Round 1/2026. Ten companies submitted 20 offers for eight of the 15 available areas. The proposals represent over US$180 million in bonds to the provincial treasury and more than US$230 million in committed exploratory investments. GyP will now evaluate the technical consistency and financial terms of these offers to determine final adjudications.