Pampa Energia is analyzing a potential site near its Loma de la Lata thermal power plant in Neuquen for a data center that would draw 500 MW of power from the Vaca Muerta shale gas deposits. The energy company intends to reach initial agreements for the facility by the end of 2026. OpenAI previously partnered with Sur Energy on a plan for a 500 MW facility in Patagonia with an investment value of $25 billion.
Cold temperatures and vast undeveloped land areas in southern Argentina are drawing interest from technology firms seeking to reduce cooling costs for AI infrastructure. The country's existing data centers are small and mostly located in Buenos Aires. Investors are monitoring President Javier Milei's proposed Super RIGI framework and economic reforms before committing to these large scale projects.