The Minister of Infrastructure of Neuquén, Rubén Etcheverry, recently participated in an interview with Canal 7 of Neuquén, where he addressed the challenges facing the province due to the rapid growth of Vaca Muerta. During the conversation, the official highlighted the importance of investment in infrastructure to support energy development, public-private collaboration, and efforts to advance sustainability with alternative energies.
Etcheverry explained that the growth of Vaca Muerta has highlighted the shortcomings in the province's infrastructure. He referred to the importance of addressing these challenges, mentioning the historical deficit in infrastructure due to insufficient funding and the neglect from the National government in provincial and national roads. He emphasized that the province has taken proactive measures by investing in provincial roads and seeking help from the national government to maintain abandoned roads.
Regarding cooperation with Chile, Etcheverry announced that Neuquén is working on logistical agreements, including the possible reactivation of the Transandino del Sur railway. The intention is to conduct a pilot test of a bimodal system to optimize the logistics of Vaca Muerta, taking advantage of Chilean port infrastructure.
In the energy sector, the minister detailed the need for firm sources for the oil industry, which poses challenges for the integration of renewable energies. Despite this, he mentioned the inauguration of a solar plant in Cutral Có and the intention to increase its capacity.
Etcheverry emphasized the importance of private investment to finance infrastructure projects, highlighting public-private collaboration as fundamental. He noted that the province plans to invest between 700 and 800 million dollars in 2025, with external financing and contributions from oil companies, to improve infrastructure and sustain growth.
The minister appeared optimistic about the future of Vaca Muerta, but warned about the need to accelerate efforts in infrastructure and sustainability to achieve sustainable growth. He emphasized the importance of coordination between the public and private sectors to realize Neuquén's potential as a reference energy hub.
