Vaca Muerta expansion drives growth for energy services and SMEs

The expansion of the Vaca Muerta formation is creating significant operational demands for environmental management and energy service companies in Neuquén. During the AOG Patagonia 2026 summit, industry representatives highlighted the scale of current developments.

Tecpetrol is accelerating construction at the Los Toldos II block, utilizing three drilling rigs and a workforce of 4,000. The company expects to reach 6,000 barrels of crude oil per day by late 2024, with plans for a treatment plant module to be operational by March 2027. Long-term projections aim for a capacity of 70,000 barrels per day through subsequent modules.

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are also adapting to the increased industrial activity. Ambient All, an environmental services firm, reported the need to reorganize work structures, hire more personnel, and expand transport units to manage the rising volume of special waste generated by oil and gas production. The broader corporate framework supporting these developments involves approximately 800 SMEs nationwide.