The Argentine government is set to inaugurate the Nstor Kirchner gas pipeline on June 20, marking a significant step towards energy self-sufficiency.The pipeline will enable the transportation of non-conventional gas from Vaca Muerta to the province of Buenos Aires.According to the Chief of Cabinet, Agustn Rossi, the pipeline was 63.9% complete by the end of May 2023.However, it is expected to be 80-85% complete by the inauguration date, which would allow Enarsa to authorize the Apto Para Funcionar (APF).Nstor Kirchner gas pipeline.
(Photo Internet reproduction)Oscar Sardi, CEO of Transportadora Gas del Sur (TGS), anticipates the pipeline will take about a month to become fully operational.By May 2023, the Nstor Kirchner gas pipeline had received investments of US$318,037 million, and an estimated US$361,301 million will be needed for its completion.The pipeline is projected to enhance the current gas transportation capacity by 11 million m3/day, leading to an annual foreign currency saving of US$2.249 billion.The government predicts the project will be 100% complete by November 2023.By July, the pipeline is expected to add 10 million m3/d to the transport capacity, followed by an additional 19 million m3/d by autumn 2024 and another 18 million m3/d by winter 2024.This would result in a total capacity increase of 58 million m3/d, resulting in a foreign currency saving of US$7.461 billion.