Vaca Muerta Tests a Bold New Pumping Strategy

Early tests of ESPs in Argentina’s shale show reliable output and hint at wider use

14 Nov 2025

Argentina’s Vaca Muerta shale, long seen as a major resource with uneven geology, has produced early signs of improvement from a pilot project led by YPF and Baker Hughes. The companies began testing electric submersible pumps in May 2024 in some of the basin’s most complex wells, aiming to stabilise production where traditional lift systems have struggled.

Engineers in the field have faced persistent obstacles. Many wells combine high gas-to-oil ratios with unstable pressure, conditions that weaken older pumping methods and raise maintenance needs. Operators have sought lift technologies that can improve output without increasing operating costs. While neither company has released detailed figures, early indications suggest the new pumps could support more efficient production.

Initial performance has been stronger than expected. Several pumps have operated for more than a year, while others have run for months without interruption, signalling durability in a difficult environment. Long-term data remains limited, but lower downtime is emerging as a central result of the pilot.

“Deploying ESPs in unconventional wells was a game changer for our team,” a senior YPF engineer said. “Managing high pressures and gas interference more effectively translated into better production performance.”

Analysts note, however, that wider deployment across Vaca Muerta would require stronger power systems and improved handling of solids, which often build up in shale wells. Still, the early results have drawn interest within the sector. If future installations match the pilot’s performance, ESPs could become a routine part of development plans and support Argentina’s position in the regional energy market.

Producers elsewhere in South America are monitoring the work. A successful template in Vaca Muerta could encourage similar tests in neighbouring basins and influence expectations for shale growth across the region.