New progress in the work of the Northern Gasduct
The reversal work of the Northern Gas Pipeline, an essential project to bring gas from Vaca Muerta to the north of the country, is in full progress and is expected to be completed next September. This initiative seeks to make up for the decrease in gas supply from Bolivia, which currently cannot satisfy its own demand. The completion of this project is essential not only for home use, but also to guarantee the generation of electricity in the thermal power plants in the region.
This project has been highlighted as the only public work prioritized by the National Government due to its strategic relevance. The work, which covers seven provinces in the center and north of the country, is largely financed by the Development Bank of Latin America, with a loan of 540 million dollars. This financing will allow the distribution of the growing production of unconventional gas from Vaca Muerta, located in the Neuquén Basin.
The importance of this work lies in its contribution to the country’s energy transition towards less polluting fuel sources. The reversal of the gas pipeline will allow gas to be sent to provinces such as Santiago del Estero, Tucumán, Catamarca, Salta, Jujuy, La Rioja and Córdoba. Once completed, the infrastructure will be able to transport approximately 16 million cubic meters per day, thus strengthening the country’s energy security.
To date, regular line welding of sections 2 and 3 of the gas pipeline has been completed, covering the first 100 kilometers of the Federal Integration Gas Pipeline, which extends from Tío Pujio to La Carlota, in Córdoba. To speed up construction times, an automatic welding system has been used, similar to that used in the Gasoducto del Noreste Argentino (GPNK). This method has allowed 4,059 welds to be carried out in just 41 days.
Currently, work continues with the construction of the remaining 22 kilometers of the gas pipeline, in addition to 62 kilometers of loops in the Northern Gas Pipeline, near Ferreyra and the City of Córdoba. The reversal of four compressor plants is also underway, with a scheduled completion date for the end of August.
