Argentina’s government has published a decree granting the natural gas transport concession for the Néstor Kirchner pipeline project to state natural gas buyer Integración Energética Argentina SA (Ieasa).

nestor kirchner

Ieasa, which is also responsible for sourcing liquefied natural (LNG) imports in the country, has been given authorization to create a trust to construct the pipeline. The state firm would be in charge of construction, maintenance and operation of the pipeline.

The $1.5 billion, 24 million cubic meters/day (Mm3/d) Néstor Kirchner pipeline is to run from Tratayen in Neuquén to Salliqueló in Buenos Aires province. It would be key in allowing more natural gas from the Vaca Muerta shale formation to reach demand centers. 

Officials said the pipeline would be in operation...