During the weekend, the incorporation of a second ship to the liquefied natural gas production scheme (LNG) on the Costa Rionegrina was confirmed, adding to the first ship already announced. This advance consolidated to Río Negro as a strategic actor in the international energy export market.
“We are very happy. We were waiting for the confirmation of the second ship, which opens a very important window,” said Confini. The official explained that this new step implies not only the arrival of a second ship, but also a key infrastructure: the construction of a 570 -kilometer gas pipeline, of dimensions similar to the Perito Moreno gas pipeline (former Nestor Kirchner), which will generate a strong impact on investment, employment and regional development.
As explained, the first ship, the Hilli Episeyo, will transport gas from the San Martín gas pipeline through a 7 -kilometer connection from the coast to the place where its trace passes, near Route 3. With the confirmation of the second ship, Southern Energy will advance in a higher scale work, allowing to expand the production and export capacity.
Confini stressed that this milestone not only transforms the productive profile of the province: “to have a coast like ours, and think that now opens the possibility of being a currency generator for Argentina and an economic development pole for Río Negro, it is something that until two years ago we would not have imagined.”
The official also emphasized the importance of adhesion to the incentive regime for large investments (Rigi) in this process: “We compete against projects around the world. To buy our gas, we have to be extremely competitive in front of countries such as the United States or Saudi Arabia.”
Finally, he indicated that the exports horizon of both oil and LNG in Río Negro is clear: “If everything progresses as planned, by the end of 2027 or early 2028, we will be exporting oil, liquefying gas and exporting GNL from our province.”
