Argentina’s Patagonia region is attracting interest from artificial intelligence developers because it offers cool temperatures, hydropower, wind energy, shale gas from the Vaca Muerta formation, and vast empty land. Power producer Pampa Energía plans a facility of up to 500 megawatts in Neuquén province and is seeking investors, with initial contracts expected by the end of 2026. Interested parties intend to begin with 20 to 40 megawatts, while the grid infrastructure for the full build-out alone would cost around $900 million. Polish company Green Capital wants to start with 300 megawatts in Chubut, with 3,000 megawatts planned over the long term. OpenAI announced a project with Sur Energy in October, but it has not been signed yet.
The lack of local opposition so far stems from the fact that Argentina barely has any large data facilities. This situation could change as more companies arrive. Pampa wants to build next to its Loma de la Lata power plant, where Indigenous Mapuche families live and have clashed with energy companies before. Grid connection, undersea cables, and stable investment conditions after the 2027 presidential election remain open questions.
- First contracts expected by end of 2026
- Grid infrastructure costs around $900 million
- Mapuche families live near proposed site
