The increase of the activity in Vaca Muerta allowed Neuquen reach a new historical record in oil production, which is already close to the 450,000 barrels per day. In addition, a year-on-year improvement was recorded in accumulated gas production so far this year.
According to the latest data from Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources to which he agreed Energy Reportin October 2024 the 447,460 barrels per day. This figure implies a growth of 0.13% compared to September and 26.35% compared to October 2023.
“The accumulated variation between January and October of this 2024 is 24.15% greater than that registered for the same period in 2023,” They emphasized from the provincial ministry.
According to official figures, the increase compared to January is mainly due to the increase in production in the areas Bajada del Palo Oeste, Coirón Amargo Suroeste, Lindero Atravesado, La Amarga Chica and Loma La Lata-Sierra Barrosa.
Today, unconventional oil extraction represents 94.54% of total oil production. Neuquen.
How much oil is produced in Neuquén and Vaca Muerta?
The gas production in October it was 88.05 million cubic meters per day15.1% less than in September due to lower demand after the arrival of spring and higher temperatures. Furthermore, the national industry continues to have limited installed capacity, due to less productive activity.
However, Compared to October 2023, gas production recorded 10.09% more. Meanwhile, the accumulated production between January and October is 11.88% higher than that registered for the same period in 2023.
The drop compared to September is due to a decrease in production in the areas Fortín de Piedra, El Mangrullo, El Orejano, Loma La Lata- Sierra Barrosa and La Calera.
Currently, 87.12% of the total production of Neuquén gas is non-conventional. Dead Cow.
Vaca Muerta: more activity is expected with 24,000 stages by 2025
The productive activity in the formation of Dead Cow reached in October 1,173 fractures, The figure is the lowest in 2024. However, this number does not raise alarm bells: sector sources indicated that it was an expected level because the stock of wells to be fractured ran out and the companies’ investment plans reached the end of their cycle.
This is clear from the report carried out by Luciano FucelloCountry Manager at NCS Multistage, which highlights that from January to October 2024, 15,010 punctures in the shale segmentwhile in 2023 they had registered 14,722 stages of fractures.
The Oil Contacts Foundationwho leads Fucelloprepared a report that estimated a 2024 with a total of 17,524 total fractures, which would represent a growth of 19% compared to 2023. “This increase reflects a boost in activity and a continuous commitment to the development of Vaca Muerta,” highlighted the paper that received Energy Report.
But the numbers are very promising for 2025. According to what is projected by the entity, An increase of 37% is expected compared to 2024, reaching a total of 24,008 fracture stages next year.
Who will lead the activity in Vaca Muerta in 2025
This unprecedented level of activity would occur with 4 Halliburton fracture sets; 3 sets from Schlumberger; two Calfrac and Tenaris sets each, and 1 for Weatherford.
As is foreseeable, among operators it will continue to lead YPF, which is projected to reach 11,642 fractures48% of the total operations in Vaca Muerta. I would follow him View, with 2,784 punctures (+12%) and Tecpetrol, with 1,602 fracture stages (+7%).
Shell and Pan American Energy (PAE) would complete approximately 1,600 fractures each, while Pluspetrol would add 1,580 punctures and Pampa Energy It would reach 1,000 operations.
Below they would be located phoenix with 730 punctures, TotalEnergies with 650 stages, Chevron with 600 and Capex with 220 operations.
Source: Ambito
