Argentina inaugurates Northern Gas Pipeline reversal
The Argentine government inaugurated the Northern Gas Pipeline Reversal last week, launching the Tío Pujio-La Carlota Federal Integration Pipeline.
The new infrastructure links the Central Pipeline with the Northern Pipeline, forming a critical part of the broader reversal project. According to officials, the pipeline is already delivering gas from Vaca Muerta in the Neuquén basin to northern Argentina.
The project, built by the Techint-SACDE joint venture and overseen by Enarsa, enables transport of up to 15 MMcmd to meet demand in the central and northern regions, replacing previously imported Bolivian gas (OGJ Online, Jan. 30, 2024).
Reversal work will wrap up with the automation of four existing compressor stations—Lumbrera, Lavalle, Dean Funes, and Ferreyra—scheduled for first-half 2025 (OGJ Online, Aug. 26, 2024).
A 22-km duct with 36-in. pipes will be added, along with two 62-km loops running parallel to the Northern Pipeline, both projects handled by BTU SA.
Under short-term agreements, Pan American Energy, TotalEnergies, and Tecpetrol have started exporting gas to Brazil under firm contracts (non-interruptible) at over $6.50/MMbtu.
Camilo Ciruzzi | South America Correspondent
Ciruzzi is a journalist based in the Argentine province of Río Negro. He has over 30 years of experience in radio and print media. Ciruzzi studied Communication Sciences at the University of Buenos Aires and specialized in energy, political economy, and finance.