Federal energy company, Ieasa (former Enarsa), in mid November 2018 was still planning to divest its 50% stake on the 56 sq km Aguada del Chanar block in the Neuquen Basin. Even though Neuquen provincial company Gas y Petroleo del Neuquen operates the block with 50% interest, the exploration and development project on the block has been funded by Enarsa since 2007. The main idea for Ieasa is to reach investors for unconventional Vaca Muerta exploration. The original Aguada del Chanar was split in three blocks in 2013. The western area was awarded to GyP Neuquen and named Aguada Federal. Afterward GyP signed a JV agreement with German company, Wintershall which has been conducting a Vaca Muerta shale drilling pilot plan with success. The eastern block Aguada Canepa was awarded to Pan American Energy (90%) and GyP (10%). In 2013 oil and some minor gas was tested from the Vaca Muerta Formation in the Bosque del Chanar 3 appraisal well in the northern corner of the block. Enarsa invested a total of US$ 140 million for the development of the remaining Aguada del Chanar license but according to its current president, Hugo Balboa, results were not satisfactory. Ieasa is negotiating with GyP Neuquen for the return of 50% of these funds as the contract requires. The license could be included in a bidding process in the near future. It was announced recently that Enarsa is required to dismantle its oil and gas branch of the company. Enarsa was created by the previous Kirchner government in 2004 and is involved in gas and fuel imports, domestic hydrocarbon transportation and other projects as well as various corruption scandals. 
Argentina, Aguada del Chanar