The Ministry of Energy of the Ministry of Economy of the Nation approved the application for adhesion to Incentive regime for large investments (Rigi) of the company Southern Energy S.A. The regime, which seeks to promote large -scale projects in strategic sectors, aims to improve the Competitivenessstrengthening Exports and the generation of employment. With this approval, the company may develop the so -called Natural gas liquefaction projectwhich promises to be a milestone in the national energy industry.
This project will consist of the installation of a floating plant of natural gas liquefaction (FLNG) in the Gulf of San Matías, in the province of Río Negro. According to the details presented, the annual production capacity of the project will range between 1.5 million tons y 2.2 million tons of liquefied natural gas (LNG), depending on the availability of gas transport infrastructure. The investment plan aims not only to ensure internal natural gas supply but also to position Argentina as a relevant actor in GNL global markets.
He Rigi was created by Law 27,742 to attract Great investmentsboth national and foreign, which contribute to the development of strategic sectors of the economy.
As detailed by the Resolution 559/2025 —Publicada this morning in the Official Gazette -, the Evaluation Committee in charge of reviewing the accession requests recommended, at its meeting of April 29, 2025, to approve the request presented by Southern Energy Sa
This decision was based on the technical and economic reports presented by the company, which demonstrated the viability and potential positive impact of the national economy project. The natural gas liquefaction project will allow Increase gas production of the country between a 5% and 8% Annual, which would significantly contribute to energy security and the export of energy resources to international markets.
He Natural gas liquefaction project will be developed in two stages, with a total investment that exceeds USD 6,878 million. The first stage is intended for an investment of USD 1,603 millionwhile the second will require USD 1,222 million. This investment includes the installation of the floating plant that will process natural gas from Muerta cow depositwith the aim of transforming gas in liquid form (LNG), a product with high demand in international markets.
The project is aligned with the strategic interests of national government, which seeks Increase country participation in international marketsespecially in those where Argentine exports of LNG are still low. With an annual production capacity of up to 2.2 million tons of LNGthe project is presented as a great opportunity to position Argentina as a key supplier in global markets, especially in long -term markets.
The Approval of this application for adhesion Al Rigi represents a key step in strengthening the Argentine energy sector. Through this regime, the government seeks not only to attract foreign investments, but also Diversify the energy matrix and reduce energy import dependence. Natural gas liquefaction is presented as a fundamental tool to take advantage of national energy resources and optimize available infrastructure.
Southern Energy SA has already expressed its intention to take advantage of Gas reserves in Muerta Vacaone of the most important deposits in the world, to feed the project and ensure the constant supply of natural gas. The use of the surpluses of the gas transport system during the months of low demand, such as summer, is another of the key aspects of this initiative.
Despite the enthusiasm for the magnitude of the investment and the potential that the project represents, the company must comply with a series of commitments stipulated in the law. Among them, the requirement to make a minimum investment during the first years of project execution is included. He 20% of the investment amount initial must be reached in the first two years from the date of adhesion, while the final deadline to comply with the total amount of investment is the December 31, 2035.
In addition, you will have to follow the planned works schedule, which is duly documented and approved, to ensure that the project advances in accordance with the planned. A local supplier development plan has also been established, which will allow maximizing the local value chainenhancing the national industry.
