In 2023, Argentine firms in Vaca Muerta turned to digital venting mitigation, a green choice for oil ventures.
This method converts residual gas, restricted from burning due to environmental laws, into power for mining cryptocurrencies, hinting at future AI use.
Pluspetrol and Tecpetrol pioneered this approach, drawing interest from Petrocuyo and Pampa Energía.
Pampa, under Marcelo Mindlin, eyes this tech for the newly acquired Rincón de Aranda to boost its unconventional field stakes in Vaca Muerta.
This initiative gained momentum with Pampa Energía backing Unblock Global.
Tomás Ocampo’s startup collaborates with Pluspetrol and Tecpetrol, leveraging Crusoe Energy’s U.S. technology for mutual benefit.
Pluspetrol led with this innovation, converting non-economically transportable associated gas into efficient energy and cutting emissions.
In addition, Adrian Vila noted that this setup cuts about 2,200 tons of CO2 annually.
Tecpetrol focused on Los Toldos II, aiming to unlock its full potential through digital venting, as shared by new president Ricardo Ferreiro.
This method revealed the area’s capacity for significant oil production, with hopes to double output following successful exploration.
Ferreiro highlights Vaca Muerta’s sustainable growth, emission cuts, foreseeing development with operational challenges conquered, and praising the region’s quality.
Unblock Global, launched by Ocampo in 2023, introduces Crusoe Energy‘s tech for emission-reducing high-performance computing, targeting bitcoin mining and, soon, AI.
Ocampo’s model promotes environmental and economic benefits, attracting investors.
Following its early wins, Ocampo reports surging project demand, aiming for $70 million in second-year investments.
In short, Argentina’s Vaca Muerta gas flaring rises, yet its global impact remains low, per 2022 World Bank report, emphasizing innovative environmental solutions.