With the objectives of diversifying the energy matrix and obtaining a secure supply of natural gas, Argentina and Uruguay have signed cooperation agreements.
A joint commission was established with representatives from both governments who directed their energy companies to "carry out actions and take all measures to facilitate the construction of an LNG regasification plant in Uruguay."
In addition, in March of 2009, an addendum was signed that seeks to "encourage and expedite all actions and measures to facilitate the construction, start up and operation of a rapid deployment LNG regasification plant in the area of Punta de Sayago, Uruguay, as an initial stage that does not hinder development under the current agreement."
PROJECT STAGES
As stipulated in the agreements, the aim of the initial phase is to start the regasification process early, in what has been coined as the "fast track" stage.
Send out capacity is established at a minimum of 6 million m3 per day and a maximum of 10 million m3 per day, depending on "technological feasibility and economical reasonableness."
The final project, which will depend on the development of LNG use in the region, is forecasted in a 10 to 20 million m3 per day scalable plant.
The established location in Punta de Sayago, Montevideo (or a nearby shallow water area) entails 110 hectares of government owned lands. Operations and custody have been entrusted to the National Port Administration (ANP).
A dry port, industrial area and free port zone are also planned in the same location.
Currently, the working group appointed by the ANCAP, ENARSA and UTE companies is focused on the recruitment of legal and technical consultants who are being selected from the proposals submitted by highly qualified LNG companies in each area.
They will advise the working group on the creation of a call for bids for the regasification company as well as the classification of bids received, creation of contracts and approval of the technical team.
The call is scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2009.
Likewise, cooperation agreements have been made with several companies possibly interested in supplying, building and operating the regasification plant, as well as those interested in supplying LNG.
Launch of the first phase of the project is planned for 2012.
