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NOVA-led group to build Argentina-to-Chile gas pipeline

Feb. 9, 1998

Nova Pipeline Project [73,126 bytes] Plans are advancing for a $400-million integrated natural gas project in Chile's B!oB!o region. NOVA Corp. unit NOVA Gas International and its partners will proceed with Gasoducto del Pacifico, a $342-million pipeline from Argentina to Chile. The Gasoducto del Pacifico pipeline will transport natural gas from Argentina's Neuquen basin to customers in the B!oB!o region. The pipeline will include 530 km of 20-in. and 24-in. mainline and 105 km of

Nova Pipeline Project [73,126 bytes]

Plans are advancing for a $400-million integrated natural gas project in Chile's B!oB!o region. NOVA Corp. unit NOVA Gas International and its partners will proceed with Gasoducto del Pacifico, a $342-million pipeline from Argentina to Chile.

The Gasoducto del Pacifico pipeline will transport natural gas from Argentina's Neuquen basin to customers in the B!oB!o region. The pipeline will include 530 km of 20-in. and 24-in. mainline and 105 km of 10-in. and 16-in. laterals.

The initial delivery capacity of the system is estimated at 140 MMcfd.

The project

NOVA will own 30% of the pipeline and will act as project manager during construction and as technical operator of the completed pipeline.

NOVA, with partners U.S.-based El Paso Energy Inc., Chile's Cia. de Consumidores de Gas SA, Empresa Nacional del Petroleo of Chile, and YPF SA of Argentina, will start construction by midyear. Commercial agreements are expected this month.

Besides the pipeline construction, the project includes forming Servicios de Gas Natural, a $44 million natural gas transportation and marketing company, and Gas Sur, a $14 million commercial and residential gas distribution system to serve customers in and around Concepci?n. The pipeline is expected to be in service by late 1999, with the marketing and distribution companies coming on stream at the same time.