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<\/p>\nArgentina and Chile are consolidating their energy integration through the \u201cArgentina-Chile Gas Integration\u201d project, whose results were presented during an event held at the headquarters of ECLAC, with the participation of government authorities, energy sector specialists, and private sector representatives.<\/p>\n
The initiative, promoted by The Latin American and Caribbean Energy Organization (OLACDE) and the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF), aims to strengthen natural gas transportation infrastructure between the two countries and move toward broader regional integration, including Bolivia and MERCOSUR countries.<\/p>\n
During the event, the main findings of the technical study developed by OLACDE under CAF\u2019s Regional Infrastructure Pre-Investment Program were presented. The report highlights the strategic potential of natural gas as a vector for industrial and energy development in Latin America.<\/p>\n
According to the analysis, expanding the binational gas pipelines would require an estimated investment of US$3.65 Million. In addition to promoting bilateral trade, the works would increase exports, reduce imports, and lower Chile\u2019s long-term energy system costs. The study also proposes extending the lifespan of existing infrastructure, such as pipelines and the Quintero LNG terminal, thereby avoiding the use of more polluting fuels.<\/p>\n
OLACDE\u2019s Executive Secretary, Andr\u00e9s Rebolledo, emphasized the \u201curgent need for energy security\u201d in the region. \u201cLatin America produces 4% of the world’s natural gas, and 20% of the region’s electricity generation is based on this fuel. By 2050, it is expected to still account for around 20% of the energy matrix,\u201d he noted.<\/p>\n
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CAF\u2019s Executive President, Sergio D\u00edaz-Granados, stated that \u201cnatural gas will be key in the energy transition, and investing in its infrastructure is essential.\u201d He also praised the strategic partnership between Chile and Argentina and the joint work with OLACDE.<\/p>\n
Chile\u2019s Minister of Energy, Diego Pardow, stressed that the study \u201cprovides concrete data to support decision-making and promote public integration.\u201d \u201cWe have a great opportunity in the regional energy market, and it\u2019s time to step on the gas,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
Argentina\u2019s Undersecretary of Liquid and Gaseous Fuels, Federico Veller, described the current moment in his country’s hydrocarbon production as \u201cextraordinary,\u201d with eleven investment projects underway in the Vaca Muerta formation that will boost exports in the medium and long term. \u201cWe must be more ambitious and pursue longer-term agreements with Chile,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
From the private sector, Gasandes\u2019 General Manager, Santiago Romero Oneto, indicated that gas transport capacity is currently underutilized and called for long-term contracts to secure the financing needed for such infrastructure projects.<\/p>\n
The panel \u201cGas Integration and Opportunities in Chile and Argentina,\u201d moderated by Guido Maiulini, Head of Strategic Advisory at OLACDE, addressed key challenges and opportunities to build more sustainable and efficient regional energy markets.<\/p>\n
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Christian Asinelli, CAF\u2019s Vice President of Strategic Programming, reaffirmed the institution\u2019s commitment to a just energy transition. He highlighted the agreement with ENEL Chile to accelerate decarbonization and the cooperation with OLACDE to strengthen natural gas infrastructure and promote integration between Chile, Bolivia, and MERCOSUR.<\/p>\n
Former President of Chile, Eduardo Frei Ruiz-Tagle, called for major investments in energy infrastructure and for the establishment of State policies that transcend political cycles to ensure continuity and sustained growth in the energy sector.<\/p>\n
The event concluded with a call to continue the regional energy integration process through new stages of technical and political work, consolidating a shared vision to accelerate the energy transition and sustainable development across Latin America.<\/p>\n