Fracking Vaca Muerta: Socio-Economic Implications of Shale Gas Extraction in Northern Patagonia, Argentina. (original) (raw)

2018, Journal of Latin American Geography

Abstract

This article explores struggles over shale fuel development in the Vaca Muerta formation in the Province of Neuquén in northern Patagonia, Argentina. In particular, this article provides a socio-geographical analysis to elucidate the legal framework used to control underground deposits and critically explore the socioeconomic implications of fracking activities in the community of Añelo, where the infrastructure to support fracking activities is being developed. By analyzing the relationships between national strategies to recover hydrocarbon sovereignty to achieve energy self-sufficiency, provincial government attempts to develop shale deposits to increase the revenue generated from their rent, and everyday lives of citizens in Añelo, this study aims to illuminate the myriad complexities inherent to issues of access to and control over unconventional deposits, the commodification of shale deposits, and the impacts associated with their extraction in a changing energy landscape. The article argues that the socioeconomic impacts experienced in Añelo are not only the direct consequence of the boomtown scenario resulting from the exploitation of Vaca Muerta, but this process is in part the end-result of a national strategy spearheaded by the government to secure the accumulation of capital through shale fuels rent as part of a broader agenda to achieve energy sovereignty. It further contends that changes in Añelo are the direct result of neoextractivism, where the primary agents responsible for the boom-town scenario in the community are the state-owned YPF, in joint venture with inter-national oil and gas companies. Key words: energy sovereignty, hydraulic fracturing, energy landscapes, Argentina, Vaca Muerta, Añelo, unconventional deposits, shale oil, shale gas, petro-capitalism, livelihoods

Figures (10)

Figure 1. Debt in the province of Neuquén between 2007 and 2013, in millions of Argentinian pesos Source: Adapted from Ferrante & Giuliani (2014, p. 46, Figure 9). Vaca Muerta formation. As a result, Neuquén became an important actor in the develop- ment of shale fuels in Argentina. became an important actor in the develop-

Figure 1. Debt in the province of Neuquén between 2007 and 2013, in millions of Argentinian pesos Source: Adapted from Ferrante & Giuliani (2014, p. 46, Figure 9). Vaca Muerta formation. As a result, Neuquén became an important actor in the develop- ment of shale fuels in Argentina. became an important actor in the develop-

YPF and Chevron on July 16, 2013 (La Nacién,

YPF and Chevron on July 16, 2013 (La Nacién,

Figure 2. Joint Venture Agreements Between YPF and Multinationals. Source: Compiled by the author based on information from YPF S.A.

Figure 2. Joint Venture Agreements Between YPF and Multinationals. Source: Compiled by the author based on information from YPF S.A.

an articulation of capital investment, technol-

an articulation of capital investment, technol-

Figure 4. Population of Afielo from 2010 to 2015. Source: Compiled by the author, based on information from the Civil Registry, Afielo.

Figure 4. Population of Afielo from 2010 to 2015. Source: Compiled by the author, based on information from the Civil Registry, Afielo.

Figure 5. New arrivals to Afielo by gender from 2011 to 2015. Source: Compiled by the author, based on information from the Civil Registry, Afielo.

Figure 5. New arrivals to Afielo by gender from 2011 to 2015. Source: Compiled by the author, based on information from the Civil Registry, Afielo.

ince by 2018, and that each new position will as an opportunity for Anelo, the extraction of create two indirect jobs in the local econo- the resources necessary to produce that ben-

ince by 2018, and that each new position will as an opportunity for Anelo, the extraction of create two indirect jobs in the local econo- the resources necessary to produce that ben-

ting my kids play in the street after sun- set because there are strange people in the area.” (Interview, August 12, 2015)

ting my kids play in the street after sun- set because there are strange people in the area.” (Interview, August 12, 2015)

vary at the national and subnational level. In part, this variation is related to where these

vary at the national and subnational level. In part, this variation is related to where these

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