Nabors, Vista Energy to add third drilling rig in Argentina’s Vaca Muerta shale with electrification potential

(WO) – Vista Energy and Nabors Industries signed a contract to add a third drilling rig to accelerate Vistas assets in Argentina’s Vaca Muerta shale.

Nabors will deploy a high-spec rig with "cutting-edge technologies," according to a press release. It is scheduled to commence operations in the second half of 2024. In support of Vista's plan to reduce the carbon footprint of its Vaca Muerta operations, there is potential to electrify this equipment.

Earlier this year, using Nabors provided technology, Vista electrified the first drilling rig in Vaca Muerta, Nabors PACE® F24, which is entirely powered by renewable energy.

Juan Garoby, COO of Vista said, "The addition of a third drilling rig will provide us flexibility to accelerate our activity plan in Vaca Muerta. We forecast to put into production between four to eight wells by year-end, in addition to the 46 previously announced. We are pleased to carry out this project in collaboration with Nabors, which represents a significant extension of a strategic relationship during Vista´s early days, anchored in our One Team program."

Anthony G. Petrello, Chairman, CEO and President of Nabors said, “By expanding our relationship with Vista and deploying advanced technology, we are enhancing operational excellence while increasing our commitment to a region that we consider to be a world-class resource. We want to thank the Vista team for their leadership and early adoption of technology, which sets a high standard for advancement and performance in Argentina.”

Vista is an independent energy company focused on Argentina’s Vaca Muerta shale, operating since April 4, 2018. The company develops high-quality, low-cost assets in Argentina. In Vaca Muerta, it operates 110 producing shale oil wells and has an inventory of approximately 1,150 wells.