Mercedes-Cardales Gas Pipeline

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Mercedes-Cardales Gas Pipeline is an operating gas pipeline in Argentina.

Location

The pipeline runs north from a junction with TGS's Neuba II pipeline at the Mercedes compressor station to a junction with the Gasoducto Norte at the Cardales compressor station in Buenos Aires province, Argentina.

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Project details

• Operator: Energía Argentina S.A. (ENARSA)
• Owner: Energía Argentina S.A. (ENARSA)
• Parent company: Energía Argentina S.A. (ENARSA)
• Capacity: 15 million m³ per day (5.475 bcm/y)
• Length: 80 km
• Diameter: 30 inches
• Status: Operating
• Start year: 2023
• Cost:
• Financing:
• Associated infrastructure:
  • Neuba II Gas Pipeline
  • Gasoducto Norte Gas Pipeline

Background

Originally announced in 2021 and officially authorized by the Argentine government in 2022 as an adjunct to the Néstor Kirchner Gas Pipeline, the 73-kilometer Mercedes-Cardales Gas Pipeline was designed to connect the existing Neuba II and Gasoducto Norte pipelines, to facilitate the transport of fossil gas from Argentina's Vaca Muerta region to customers in northern Argentina. The pipeline's route would pass through several municipalities in Buenos Aires province, including Navarro, Mercedes, Luján, San Andrés de Giles, Exaltación de la Cruz and Zárate.

As of February 2023, the project appeared to be moving forward, with preliminary work already taking place in the area around San Andrés de Giles. In May 2023, the pipeline was reportedly still on track for commissioning by the end of 2023, despite projected delays of 45 to 60 days caused by the need to assess corrosion damage to some of the salvaged pipes being used for the project.

The pipeline began operating in December 2023, with a reduced capacity of 11 million m³ per day; the pipeline was expected to begin operating at its full capacity of 15 million m³ per day in September 2024, upon completion of the Mercedes compressor station.