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Vaca Muerta 2025–2026: Acceleration, Optimization, and Strategic Impact

Vaca Muerta, Argentina’s premier shale play, is undergoing a major transformation under YPF’s aggressive growth strategy. As presented during YPF’s 2025 Investor Day, the next two years (2025–2026) represent a pivotal phase in scaling up operations, infrastructure, and exports to position Argentina as a significant global energy exporter.
Operations Map.
1. 2025: Scaling Shale and Efficiency Gains Production SurgeYPF’s 2025 guidance forecasts shale oil production reaching ~190 KBBL/d by December 2025, contributing to a broader goal of transforming into a “pure shale” company, with shale expected to represent over 66% of oil production.
Operational EfficiencyTwo key programs underpin this production ramp-up:
Toyota Well Model: Drilling and completion techniques borrowed from…
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