[REVISION HISTORY]

Neuquén infrastructure and energy development

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What changed

2026-11-05 16:27 UTC → 2026-11-05 22:31 UTC · added ~~removed~~

The Neuquén Legislature approved a plan to pre-finance 158 kilometers of road infrastructure in the Vaca Muerta region. Under this scheme, 15 energy companies will provide up to 177 million USD at zero interest, with the provincial government recovering funds through deductions from energy royalties after a 30-month grace period. Subsequently, the Neuquén provincial government reached an agreement with the Argentine national government to assume management of the Seven Lakes Route and the Villa La Angostura bypass. This agreement also covers the Vaca Muerta relief canal and housing projects. Additionally, a 175 million dollar Metropolitan Access Master Plan, supported by YPF, is being implemented to improve urban mobility and connectivity to the Vaca Muerta region through projects such as the duplication of the Autovía Norte. ~~In a recent development, Argentine Economy Minister Luis Caputo and Neuquén~~ Governor Rolando Figueroa signed several agreements to advance these strategic projects. The deal formalizes the transfer of management for the Seven Lakes route (National Route 40) and the Villa La Angostura bypass to the province to oversee maintenance and improvements. To support hydrocarbon activity and water security, authorities agreed to collaborate on the construction of the Vaca Muerta relief canal at the Portezuelo Grande dam. Furthermore, the province will take over management of the Procrear housing complex in Centenario, enabling the Provincial Institute of Housing and Urbanism (IPVU) to complete the construction of 140 previously stalled duplexes. Governor Figueroa has ~~also~~ since announced a 90 million dollar investment to expand gas infrastructure using resources from the Vaca Muerta formation. This project includes constructing 118 kilometers of new pipelines under a Loop system and upgrading three compressor plants operated by Transportadora de Gas del Sur (TGS). The initiative, involving companies such as TGS and Camuzzi, aims to supply over 24,500 users in Junín de los Andes, San Martín de los Andes, and Villa La Angostura, reducing dependence on supplies from Chubut. Fiscal developments include an upgrade by S&P Global Ratings from “b-” to “b+” due to efficient public account management. To support the local economy, the province is introducing 2027 tax benefits, such as a 25 percent property tax discount and stamp duty exemptions for rental contracts. Furthermore, the province inaugurated a 3.8 million dollar pellet plant in Junín de los Andes to convert forestry waste into fuel and has launched the Neuquén Habita program to distribute mortgage credits.

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