Pampa Energía (PAM) 20-F2021 FY Annual report (foreign)

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, DC 20549

[_]REGISTRATION STATEMENT [x]ANNUAL REPORT [_]TRANSITION REPORT [_]SHELL COMPANY REPORT 

FORM 20-F

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)

OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021

Commission File Number: 001-34429

PAMPA ENERGíA S.A.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Pampa Energy Inc.

(Translation of registrant’s name into English)

Argentina

(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

Maipú 1

C1084ABA, City of Buenos Aires

Argentina

(Address of principal executive offices)

María Carolina Sigwald

Maipú 1

C1084ABA, City of Buenos Aires

Argentina

Tel.: + 54 11 4344 6000 / Fax: + 54 11 4344 6473

(Name, telephone, e-mail and/or facsimile number and address of company contact person)

Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

None

Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act:

None

Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the issuer’s classes of capital or common stock as of the close of the period covered by the annual report:

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.

If this report is an annual or transition report, indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

If an emerging growth company that prepares its financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards† provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ¨

† The term “new or revised financial accounting standard” refers to any update issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board to its Accounting Standards Codification after April 5, 2012.

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (§ 15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. x

Indicate by check mark which basis of accounting the registrant has used to prepare the financial statements included in this filing:

If “Other” has been checked in response to the previous question, indicate by check mark which financial statement item the registrant has elected to follow.

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

TABLE OF CONTENTS 

PRESENTATION OF INFORMATION

This document comprises the annual report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2021 of Pampa, that has been approved by resolution of the Board of Directors meeting of Pampa held on April 29, 2022. In this annual report, we use the terms “we”, “us”, “our”, “registrant” and the “Company” to refer to Pampa and its subsidiaries.

Financial Information

This annual report contains our audited consolidated statements of financial position as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, and the related consolidated statements of comprehensive income, changes in equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2021, and the notes thereto (the “Consolidated Financial Statements”). The Consolidated Financial Statements have been audited by Price Waterhouse & Co. S.R.L., an independent registered public accounting firm in Buenos Aires, Argentina whose report is included in this annual report. Price Waterhouse & Co. S.R.L. is a member of the network of member firms of PricewaterhouseCoopers International Limited network.

Our Consolidated Financial Statements are set forth in Item 18 beginning on page F-1 of this annual report. Our Consolidated Financial Statements are prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (the “IASB”). The Consolidated Financial Statements included in this annual report have been approved by resolution of the Board of Directors’ meeting of the Company held on March 10, 2022.

Consistent with Item 18 of Form 20-F, we provide the disclosure required under Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 932 of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) relating to extractive activities—Oil and Gas (formerly, FASB Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 69—Disclosures about Oil and Gas Producing Activities) (“ASC Topic 932”), as is required regardless of the basis of accounting on which we prepare our financial statements.

Functional and Presentation Currency

The information included in the Consolidated Financial Statements has been recorded in the functional currency of the Company, which is the currency of the primary economic environment in which the Company operates. The Company’s functional currency is U.S. Dollars, which is also the presentation currency.

The results and financial position of subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates that have a different functional currency have been translated into the Company’s functional currency and the results from the translation process have been recognized in “Other Comprehensive Income (loss)”. For more information, see Note 4.3 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.

Rounding

Certain figures included in this annual report (including percentage amounts) have been subject to rounding adjustments. Accordingly, certain totals may therefore not precisely equal the sum of the numbers presented.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This annual report contains estimates and forward-looking statements, principally in “Item 3. Risk Factors,” “Item 4. Our Business” and “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects.” Some of the matters discussed herein concerning our business operations and financial performance include estimates and forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) and the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”).

Our estimates and forward-looking statements are mainly based on our current expectations and estimates on future events and trends that affect or may affect our business and results of operations. Although we believe that these estimates and forward-looking statements are based upon reasonable assumptions, they are subject to several risks and uncertainties and are made in light of information currently available to us.

Our estimates and forward-looking statements may be influenced by the following factors, among others:

The words “believe”, “may”, “will”, “aim”, “estimate”, “continue”, “anticipate”, “intend”, “expect” and similar words are intended to identify estimates and forward-looking statements. Estimates and forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they were made, and we undertake no obligation to update or to renew any estimates and/or forward-looking statements because of new information, future events or other factors. Estimates and forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties and are not guarantees of future performance. Our future results may differ materially from those expressed in these estimates and forward-looking statements. In light of the risks and uncertainties described above, the estimates and forward-looking statements discussed in this annual report might not occur and our future results and our performance may differ materially from those expressed in these forward-looking statements due to factors including, but not limited to, those mentioned above.

GLOSSARY

Glossary of certain terms used in this Annual Report

Unless the context indicates otherwise, the following terms have the meanings shown below:

Not applicable.

Not applicable.

EXCHANGE RATES

Exchange Rates

The following table sets forth the high, low, average and period-end exchange rates for the periods indicated, expressed in Pesos per U.S. Dollar and not adjusted for inflation. There can be no assurance that the Peso will not depreciate or appreciate again in the future. The Federal Reserve Bank of New York does not report a noon buying rate for Pesos.

Source: Banco Nación

Pursuant to Argentine law, in case we pay dividends, we are required to pay them in cash in Pesos, and exchange rate fluctuations will affect the U.S. Dollar amounts received by holders of American Depositary Shares, on conversion by us or by the depositary of cash dividends on the shares represented by such ADSs. Fluctuations in the exchange rate between the Peso and the U.S. Dollar will affect the U.S. Dollar equivalent of the Peso price of our shares on the BASE and, as a result, can also affect the market price of our ADSs.

RISK FACTORS

The following summarizes some, but not all, of the risks provided below. Please carefully consider all of the information discussed in this Item 3.D. “Risk Factors” in this annual report for a more thorough description of these and other risks:

Risks Related to Argentina

Risks Relating to our Company

Risks Relating to Our Generation Business

Risks Relating to our Oil and Gas Business

Risks Relating to our Shares and ADSs

Risks Related to Argentina

Overview

We are a stock corporation (sociedad anónima) incorporated under the laws of the Republic of Argentina and most of our revenues are earned in Argentina and most of our operations, facilities and customers are located in Argentina. Our financial condition and operational results depend to a significant extent on macroeconomic, regulatory, political and financial conditions prevailing in Argentina, including growth rates, inflation rates, currency exchange rates, taxes, interest rates, and other local, regional and international events and conditions that may affect Argentina in any manner. For example, a slowdown in economic growth or economic recession could lead to a decreased demand for electricity in the service areas in which we and our subsidiaries operate or a decline in the purchasing power of our customers, which, in turn, could lead to a higher delinquency rate from our customers or increased energy losses due to illegal use of our services. Actions of the Argentine Government concerning the economy, including measures with respect to inflation, interest rates, price controls (including tariffs and other compensation of utility companies), foreign exchange controls and taxes, have had and may in the future have a material adverse effect on private sector entities, including us. Our activities are highly regulated and subject to uncertainties due to political and economic factors, changes in legislation, expropriations, termination and modification of contractual rights, revocation of permits and consents, the need to obtain permits from regulatory authorities, foreign currency restrictions, price controls, currency fluctuations and increases in royalties, among others.

We cannot assure you that the Argentine Government will not adopt policies that could adversely affect the Argentine economy or our business, financial condition or operational results. In addition, we cannot assure you that future economic, regulatory, social and political developments in Argentina will not impair our business, financial condition or operational results, or cause the market value of our ADSs and common shares to decline.

A global or regional financial crisis and unfavorable credit and market conditions may negatively affect our liquidity, customers, business and operational results

The effects of a global or regional financial crisis and related turmoil in the global financial system may have a negative impact on our business, capacity to access credit and international capital markets, financial condition and operational results, which is likely to be more severe on an emerging market economy, such as Argentina (See “—Argentina’s ability to obtain financing from international markets could be limited, which may impair its ability to implement reforms and foster economic growth and, consequently, affect our business, results of our operations and growth prospects.” below). This was the case in 2008, when the global economic crisis led to a sudden economic decline in Argentina in 2009, accompanied by inflationary pressures, depreciation of the Peso and a drop in consumer and investor confidence.

In 2020 a new global financial crisis began as a result of the Covid-19. The stock market crash, which began in late February 2020 and intensified throughout 2020 and 2021, affected and continues to affect all stock markets in the world. The continued impact of Covid-19 on sectoral economic activity cannot be measured.

The effects of an economic crisis on our customers and on us cannot be predicted. Weak global and local economic conditions could lead to reduced demand or lower prices for energy, hydrocarbons and related oil products and petrochemicals, which could have a negative effect on our revenues. Economic factors such as unemployment, inflation and the unavailability of credit could also have a material adverse effect on the demand for energy and, therefore, on our business, financial condition and operational results. The financial and economic situation in Argentina or in other countries in Latin America, such as Brazil, may also have a negative impact on us and third parties with whom we do, or may do, business.

The Argentine economy is a vulnerable economy and any significant decline may adversely affect our business, operational results and financial condition

The Argentine economy has experienced significant volatility in recent decades, characterized by periods of low or negative growth, high levels of inflation and currency devaluation. Sustainable economic growth in Argentina depends on a variety of factors including the international demand for Argentine exports, the stability and competitiveness of the Peso against foreign currencies, confidence among consumers and foreign and domestic investors and a stable rate of inflation, national employment levels and the circumstances of Argentina’s regional trade partners. The Argentine macroeconomic environment, in which we operate, remains vulnerable, as reflected by the following economic conditions: (i) according to the data published by the INDEC in 2021 and 2022, for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2021, Argentina’s real GDP decreased by 9.9% compared to the year ended December 31, 2019 and increased by 10.3% compared to the year ended December 31, 2020, respectively; (ii) continued increases in public expenditures have resulted and could continue to result in fiscal deficit and affect economic growth; (iii) inflation remains high and may continue at those levels in the future; (iv) investment as a percentage of GDP remains low to sustain the growth rate of the past decades; (v) protests or strikes may adversely affect the stability of the political, social and economic environment and may negatively impact the global financial market’s confidence in the Argentine economy; (vi) energy or natural gas supply may not be sufficient to supply increased industrial activity (thereby limiting industrial development) and consumption; (vii) unemployment and informal employment remain high; and (viii) the Argentine Government’s economic expectations may not be met and the process of restoring the confidence in the Argentine economy may take longer than anticipated.

As in the recent past, Argentina’s economy may be adversely affected if political and social pressures inhibit the implementation by the Argentine Government of policies designed to control inflation, generate growth and enhance consumer and investor confidence, or if policies implemented by the Argentine Government that are designed to achieve these goals are not successful. These events could materially affect our financial condition and operational results or cause the market value of our ADSs and our common shares to decline. Moreover, Argentina’s economic growth was severely impacted as a consequence of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Additionally, the Argentine Peso has been subject to significant devaluation against the U.S. Dollar in the past and may be subject to fluctuations in the future. We cannot predict whether and to what extent the value of the Peso could depreciate or appreciate against the U.S. dollar and the way in which any such fluctuations could affect our business. The value of the Peso compared to other currencies is dependent, in addition to other factors listed above, on the level of international reserves maintained by the “BCRA, which have also shown significant fluctuations in recent years. As of February 10, 2022, the international reserves of the BCRA totaled US$37,233 million. According to the exchange rate information published by the Banco de la Nación Argentina, the Argentine Peso depreciated by 22.1% against the U.S. Dollar during the year ended December 31, 2021 (compared to 58.9%, 102.2% and 17.4% in the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively).

In 2019, as a result of the economic instability and uncertainty, the depreciation of the Argentine Peso and rising inflation rates, the former Argentine administration and the BCRA adopted a series of measures reinstating foreign exchange controls. Following the change in government, the new administration extended the validity of such measures and established further restrictions by means of the enacted Social Solidarity and Productive Reactivation Law, including a new tax on certain transactions involving the purchase of foreign currency by both Argentine individuals and entities. Although the official exchange rate has been practically stable since the adoption of the foreign exchange controls, we cannot assure you that the official exchange rate will not fluctuate significantly in the future. There can be no assurances regarding future modifications to exchange controls. Exchange controls could adversely affect our financial condition or results of operations and our ability to meet our foreign currency obligations and execute our financing plans. For more information, please see “Item 10. Additional Information – Exchange Controls”.

The success of these measures or other measures that the BCRA may implement in the future, are subject to uncertainty and any further depreciation of the Argentine Peso, further inflation or our inability to acquire foreign currency could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. We cannot predict the effectiveness of these measures. We cannot predict whether, and to what extent, the value of the Argentine Peso may depreciate or appreciate against the U.S. dollar or other foreign currencies, and how these uncertainties will affect our businesses. Furthermore, no assurance can be given that, in the future, no additional currency or foreign exchange restrictions or controls will be imposed. Existing and future measures may negatively affect Argentina’s international competitiveness, discouraging foreign investments and lending by foreign investors or increasing foreign capital outflow which could have an adverse effect on economic activity in Argentina, and which in turn could adversely affect our business and results of operations. We cannot predict how these conditions will affect our ability to meet our liabilities denominated in currencies other than the Argentine Peso. Any restrictions on transferring funds abroad imposed by the government could undermine our ability to pay dividends on our ADSs or make payments (of principal or interest) under our outstanding indebtedness in U.S. dollars, as well as to comply with any other obligation denominated in foreign currency.

We cannot affirm there will be no adverse effect on our business, financial condition or operational results or no negative impact on the market value of our ADSs and our common shares resulting from a decline in economic growth, an increase in economic instability or the expansion of economic policies and measures taken or that may be adopted in the future by the Argentine Government to control inflation or address other macroeconomic developments that affect private sector entities such as us, all developments over which we have no control.

The Argentine economy is vulnerable to external shocks that could be caused by significant economic difficulties of Argentina’s major regional trading partners, or by more general “contagion” effects. Such external shocks and “contagion” effects could have a material adverse effect on Argentina’s economic growth, and consequently, on our operational results and financial condition

Although economic conditions vary from country to country, investors’ perceptions of events occurring in certain countries have in the past substantially affected, and may continue to substantially affect, capital flows into and investments in securities of issuers from other countries, including Argentina. There can be no assurance that the Argentine financial system and securities markets will not be adversely affected by policies that may be adopted by foreign governments or the Argentine Government in the future. Argentina can also be adversely affected by negative economic or financial events that take place in other countries, subsequently affecting our operations and financial condition, including our ability to repay our debt at its maturity date.

Argentina’s economy is vulnerable to external shocks. For example, economic slowdowns, especially in Argentina’s major trading partners such as Brazil, led to declines in Argentine exports in the last few years. Specifically, fluctuations in the price of commodities sold by Argentina and a significant devaluation of the Peso against the U.S. Dollar could harm Argentina’s competitiveness and affect its exports. In addition, international investors’ reactions to events occurring in one market may result in a “contagion” effect which could lead to an entire region or class of investment being disfavored by international investors. Additionally, financial and securities markets in Argentina are also influenced by economic and market conditions in other markets worldwide.

As a consequence of the Covid-19, the estimated contraction in the world’s economy for 2020 was 3.5% according to what both the IMF and the Organization for Cooperation and Economic Development expressed. Additionally, the IMF published that the impact of Covid-19 on the world’s economy affects both the supply and the demand side. On the supply side, the virus increases not only morbidity and mortality, but also the efforts and measures taken by governments and companies to combat these effects, which lead to restrictions in freedom of movement, higher operating costs due to the reduction in the supply chain and the tightening of credit. On the demand side, the uncertainty that the virus generates, precautionary behaviors, quarantine efforts and high financing costs all reduce the possibility of spending money. According to a report published by the IMF in April 2021, despite the global recovery in 2021, the pandemic has not been defeated and virus cases are growing in many countries. Different parts of the world are currently experiencing divergent virus case growth rates which leads to recoveries also diverging dangerously between and within countries. (See “—The emergence and spread of a pandemic-level disease or threat to public health, such as the Covid-19, may have a material adverse impact on the Argentine and global economy, our business operations, financial condition or results of operations” below).

There can be no assurance that the Argentine financial system and securities markets will not be adversely affected by policies that may be adopted by foreign governments or the Argentine Government in the future, or by events in the economies of developed countries or in other emerging markets.

Finally, international investors’ perceptions of events occurring in one market may generate a “contagion” effect by which an entire region or class of investment is disfavored by international investors. Argentina could be adversely affected by negative economic or financial developments in other emerging and developed countries, which in turn may have a material adverse effect on the Argentine economy and, indirectly, on our business, financial condition and results of operations, and the market value of our ADSs and common shares.

The conflict between Russia and Ukraine could adversely affect the global economy, the Argentine economy and our operational results and financial condition

On February 24, 2022, the President of Russia, Vladimir Putin, announced a military operation in the eastern Donbas region of Ukraine and began a full-scale invasion of the country.

The invasion received widespread international condemnation, with worldwide protests against the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The United States, the United Kingdom and other countries of the European Union imposed economic sanctions on Russia—such as the exclusion of certain Russian banks from the SWIFT financial system, airspace restrictions, export restrictions of Russian oil and gas, among others—which could eventually affect the supply of oil and gas from this country, and trigger higher inflation and market shocks.

Actual and threatened responses to Russia’s invasion, as well as a rapid peaceful resolution to the conflict, may also impact the markets for certain commodities, such as oil and natural gas, and may have collateral impacts, including increased volatility, and cause disruptions to the availability of certain commodities, commodity and futures prices and the supply chain globally. Rising wheat prices have raised tensions in countries like Egypt, which rely heavily on wheat exports from Russia and Ukraine, and sparked fears of social unrest. On the other hand, Russia is the second largest oil exporter in the world and the largest producer of natural gas, causing the world oil prices jumped over US$110 per barrel, and the cost of natural gas reached a new record high in Europe. In this sense, in Argentina, the natural gas supply for this next winter may be affected, with negative effects on the energy generation, especially for industries. The shortage on natural gas may adversely affect our generation dispatch assets.

Although up to the date of this annual report the conflict is regional in nature, the possible involvement of other member countries of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization could result in a transnational conflict, which could significantly affect the world economy and Argentina and, therefore, our operational results. Volatility in oil and other commodity prices may adversely affect the Argentine economy and our business. The materialization of some or all of these risks, as well as the events that arise in the main regional partners, including the member countries of Mercosur, could have a material negative effect on the Argentine economy, on the interest of investors in Argentine companies, and, indirectly, on our business and operational results.

Economic and political developments in Argentina, and future policies of the Argentine Government may adversely affect the Argentine economy and the sectors in which we perform our activities

The Argentine Government has historically exercised significant influence over the economy, and our Company has operated in a highly regulated environment. The Argentine Government may promulgate numerous, far-reaching regulations affecting the economy and energy companies in particular. In the event of any economic, social or political crisis, companies operating in Argentina may face the risk of strikes, expropriation, nationalization, mandatory amendment of existing contracts, and changes in taxation policies, including tax increases and retroactive tax claims. In addition, Argentine courts have sanctioned modifications on rules related to labor matters, requiring companies to assume greater responsibility for the assumption of costs and risks associated with sub-contracted labor and the calculation of salaries, severance payments and social security contributions. Since we operate in a context in which the governing law and applicable regulations change frequently, in part as the result of changes in government administrations, it is difficult to predict if and how our activities will be affected by such changes.

We cannot affirm that the Argentine economic, regulatory, social and political framework or the policies or measures that the Argentine Government adopts or may adopt, will not adversely affect the market value of our ADSs, our business, financial condition and/or operational results, and will be successful to correct the energy production sector in Argentina.

If the high levels of inflation continue, the Argentine economy and our operational results could be adversely affected

Historically, inflation has materially undermined the Argentine economy and the Argentine Government’s ability to create conditions that allow growth. In recent years, Argentina has confronted inflationary pressures, evidenced by significantly higher fuel, energy and food prices, among other factors. According to data published by the INDEC, CPI rates for January, February and March 2022 were 3.9%, 4.7% and 6.7%, respectively; rates for July, August, September, October, November and December 2021 were 3.0%, 2.5%, 3.5%, 3.5%, 2.5% and 3.8%, respectively; and rates for July, August, September, October, November and December 2020 were 1.9%, 2.7%, 2.8%, 3.8%, 3.2% and 4.0%, respectively. For more information, please see “—The interruption of the publication of Argentine economic indexes or changes in their calculation methodologies could affect the projections made by the Company” below. The National CPI variation was 50.9% in 2021, 36.1% in 2020 and 53.8% in 2019. The Argentine Government’s adjustments to electricity and gas tariffs, as well as the increase in the price of gasoline have affected prices, creating additional inflationary pressure. If the value of the Argentine Peso cannot be stabilized through fiscal and monetary policies, an increase in inflation rates could be expected.

A high inflation rate affects Argentina’s foreign competitiveness by diluting the effects of the Peso depreciation, negatively impacting employment and the level of economic activity and undermining confidence in Argentina’s banking system, which may further limit the availability of domestic and international credit to businesses. In turn, a portion of the Argentine debt continues to be adjusted by the CER, a currency index, that is strongly correlated with inflation. Therefore, any significant increase in inflation would drive an increase in the Argentine external debt and consequently in Argentina’s financial obligations, which could exacerbate the stress on the Argentine economy. The efforts undertaken by the Argentine Government to reduce inflation have not achieved the desired results. A continuing inflationary environment could undermine our operational results, adversely affect our ability to finance the working capital needs of our businesses on favorable terms and our operational results and cause the market value of our ADSs and our common shares to decline.

There is uncertainty regarding the effectiveness of the policies implemented by the Argentine Government to reduce and control inflation and the potential impact of those policies. An increase in inflation may adversely affect the Argentine economy, which in turn may have a negative impact in our financial condition and operational results.

Fluctuations in the value of the Argentine Peso could adversely affect the Argentine economy and could, in turn, adversely affect our operational results

The Argentine Peso suffered important fluctuations during the last four years: as compared to the U.S. dollar, it depreciated by more than 102.2% in 2018, approximately 58.9% in 2019, 40.5% in 2020 and 22.1% in 2021. We are unable to predict the future value of the Peso against the U.S. Dollar. If the Argentine Peso devaluates further, the negative effects on the Argentine economy could have adverse consequences on our businesses, our operational results and the market value of our ADSs, including as measured in U.S. Dollars.

On September 1, 2019, certain exchange controls and restrictions were reinstated in order to control the volatility in the currency exchange rate. Additional volatility, appreciation or depreciation of the Peso against the U.S. dollar or reduction of the Central Bank’s reserves because of currency intervention could adversely affect the Argentine economy and our ability to service our debt obligations and could affect the value of our ADSs and our common shares. For more information, please see “Item 10. Additional Information – Exchange Controls”.

On the other hand, a significant appreciation of the Argentine Peso against the U.S. Dollar also presents risks for the Argentine economy, including the possibility of a reduction in exports (as a consequence of the loss of external competitiveness). Any such increase could also have a negative effect on economic growth and employment, reduce the Argentine public sector’s revenues from tax collection in real terms, and have a material adverse effect on our business, our operational results, our ability to repay our debt within the respective maturity dates and affect the market value of our ADSs, as a result of the overall effects of the weakening of the Argentine economy.

Fluctuations in the value of the Peso may also adversely affect the Argentine economy, the prices of our products, our financial condition and operational results. The devaluation of the Argentine Peso may have a negative impact on the ability of certain Argentine businesses to service their foreign currency-denominated debt, lead to high inflation, significantly reduce real wages, jeopardize the stability of businesses whose success depends on domestic market demand, including public utilities and the financial industry, and adversely affect the Argentine Government’s ability to honor its foreign debt obligations.

The interruption of the publication of Argentine economic indexes or changes in their calculation methodologies could affect the projections made by the Company.

In 2014 the INDEC established a new consumer price index, the CPI, which reflects a broad measurement of consumer prices, considering price information from the 24 provinces of the country, divided into six regions. Faced with the credibility of the CPI, as well as other indices published by the INDEC, being called into question, the Argentine Government declared a state of administrative emergency for the national statistical system and the INDEC on January 8, 2016, based on the determination that the INDEC had failed to produce reliable statistical information, particularly with respect to CPI, GDP, inflation and foreign trade data, as well as with poverty and unemployment rates. The INDEC temporarily suspended the publication of certain statistical data until the reorganization of its technical and administrative structure to recover its ability to produce reliable statistical information. In 2017, the INDEC began publishing a National CPI, which is based on a survey conducted by the INDEC and several provincial statistical offices in 39 urban areas including each of Argentina’s provinces. The official CPI inflation rate for the year ended December 31, 2021 was 50.9%.

Any future required correction or restatement of the INDEC indexes could result in decreased confidence in Argentina’s economy, which, in turn, could have an adverse effect on our ability to access international capital markets to finance our operations and growth, and which could, in turn, adversely affect our operational results and financial condition and cause the market value of our ADSs and our common shares to decline.

Argentina’s ability to obtain financing from international markets could be limited, which may impair its ability to implement reforms and foster economic growth and, consequently, affect our business, results of our operations and growth prospects.

Argentina’s history of defaults on its external debt and the protracted litigation with holdout creditors may reoccur in the future and prevent Argentine companies such as us from accessing the international capital markets readily or may result in higher costs and more onerous terms for such financing, and may therefore negatively affect our business, operational results, financial condition, the value of our securities, and our ability to meet our financial obligations. Following the default on its external debt in 2001, Argentina sought to restructure its outstanding debt in exchange offers in 2005 and again in 2010. Holders of approximately 93% of Argentina’s defaulted debt participated in the exchanges, but a number of bondholders held out from the exchange offers and pursued legal actions against Argentina. The Argentine Government settled several agreements with the defaulted bondholders, ending more than 15 years of litigation. In addition, on August 2020, the Argentine Government successfully negotiated the debt restructuring of Argentine bonds representing approximately US$65 billion owed to several bondholders.

On January 28, 2022, Argentina signed an agreement with the IMF to refinance more than US$40 billion in debt, contracted in 2018 with this institution. The main measures agreed are related to the reduction of public spending and subsidy rates, focused on the energy sector. The agreement was approved by the Argentinean Congress and by the Board of the IMF.

Among other points, an economic and monetary policy was established, where the IMF will be the co-director, carrying out quarterly audits on Argentina's finances and economic development.

Our company cannot predict how this new agreement and the policies developed based on it will impact Argentina’s ability to access international capital markets (and indirectly in our ability to access those markets) to access international capital markets, in the Argentine economy or in our economic and financial situation or in our capacity to extend the maturity dates of our debt or other conditions that could affect our results and operations or businesses.

The emergence and spread of a pandemic-level disease or threat to public health, such as Covid-19, may have a material adverse impact on the Argentine and global economy, our business operations, financial condition or results of operations

In late December 2019 a notice of pneumonia originating from Wuhan, Hubei province (Covid-19, caused by a novel coronavirus) was reported to the World Health Organization, with cases soon confirmed in multiple provinces in China, as well as in other countries. The virus rapidly spread globally and, as of the date of this annual report, has affected more than 150 countries and territories around the world, including Argentina, causing traffic consequences for many people. Global efforts to stop the virus are also having major economic consequences.

The Executive Branch of the Argentine Government issued Decree No. 260/2020 on March 12, 2020, which declared a public health emergency for a period of one year (currently extended until December 31, 2022) and established a mandatory quarantine, which was extended several times, affecting our ongoing expansion projects, which were later included as an essential activity. For more information, please see “Item 4—Relevant Events— Measures Designed by the Argentine Government to Address the Covid-19 Outbreak” and “Impact of the Covid-19 outbreak on our Operations”.

To date, the outbreak of the coronavirus has caused significant social and market disruption. The long-term effects on the global economy, Argentine economy and the Company of the coronavirus pandemic, are difficult to assess or predict, and may include a decline in market prices (including the market prices of our common shares), risks to employee health and safety, collapse in the demand for our products and reduced sales in the impacted geographic locations. Furthermore, the crisis caused by Covid-19 resulted in a decrease in the demand for crude oil, mainly in the second and third quarters of 2020, since industrial and domestic activity slowed down in many countries due to control measures. Any prolonged restrictive measures put in place in order to control an outbreak of a contagious disease or other adverse public health development such as the ongoing Covid-19 outbreak, may have a material and adverse effect on our business operations, financial condition or operational results.

We may also be affected by the need to implement policies limiting the efficiency and effectiveness of our operations, including home office policies. It is unclear whether these challenges and uncertainties will be contained or resolved, and what effects they may have on the global political and economic conditions in the long term. Additionally, we cannot predict how the disease will evolve in Argentina, nor anticipate what additional restrictions the Argentine Government may impose. However, we expect Covid-19 to continue to have a significant adverse effect on the world economy, which will in turn negatively affect Argentina’s economy.

The Company is currently considering available alternatives to mitigate the effects this outbreak may have on its operations and ongoing projects, as well as with regards to measures adopted by the Argentine Government, which so far have resulted in a slowdown in economic activity that has further adversely affected economic growth in Argentina in 2020 and 2021, to a degree that we cannot quantify as of the date of this annual report. For more information on the measures adopted by the Argentine Government. For more information, please see “Item 4—Relevant Events— Measures Designed by the Argentine Government to Address the Covid-19 Outbreak” and “Impact of the Covid-19 outbreak on our Operations”.

We cannot affirm that the current Covid-19 outbreak will not cause a material adverse effect in our businesses and operational results, as well as a decrease in the market value of our shares and corporate bonds.

Intervention by the Argentine Government may adversely affect the Argentine economy and, as a result, our business and operational results

In the recent past, the Argentine Government directly intervened in the economy, including through the implementation of expropriation and nationalization measures, price controls and exchange controls. In the future, the Argentine Government may introduce new exchange controls and/or strengthen the existing ones, create restrictions on transfers to other countries, restrictions to capital movement or other measures in response to an eventual capital flight or a significant depreciation in the Peso, measures that can, in turn, affect our ability to access the international capital markets. Such restrictions and measures may generate political and social tensions and deteriorate the Argentine Government’s public finances, as has occurred in the past, generating an adverse effect in the Argentine economic activity and, as a consequence, adversely affect our business and operational results and cause the market value of our ADSs and our common shares to decline. For more information, please see “Item 10. Additional Information – Exchange Controls”.

Furthermore, on July 15, 2021, the Argentine Government issued Decree No. 389/2021, which, among other measures, partially repealed the provisions related to the restructuring of the assets of the energy sector of the National State provided for in Decree No. 882/ 17, within the framework of which, among others, the sale and transfer by IEASA of CTEB's goodwill was carried out. For more information, see “Item 4. Information on the Company – Generation”. In this regard, the Company cannot be sure that in the future the Argentine Government will not initiate actions or attempt to intervene or dispose of the assets of the National State that have been assigned, sold and/or transferred within the framework of Decree No. 882/17, which could adversely affect the business, financial situation and results of operations of the Company and, in particular, the assets of CTB.

Moreover, we cannot guarantee that the measures that may be adopted by the current or any future Argentine Government, such as expropriation, nationalization, forced renegotiation or modification of existing contracts, new taxation policies, exchange controls, changes in laws, regulations and policies affecting foreign trade and investments, restrictions to transfers to other countries or to capitals movement, or an important devaluation of the Peso will not have a material adverse effect on the Argentine economy and, as a consequence, adversely affect our financial condition, our operational results or cause the market value of our ADSs and our common shares to decline.

Argentine corporations may be restricted from making payments in foreign currencies or from importing certain products

There are certain restrictions in Argentina that affect corporations’ ability to access the MLC to acquire foreign currency to transfer funds to other countries, service debt, make payments outside Argentina and other operations, requiring, in some cases, prior approval by the Central Bank. These restrictions may affect our operations and our expansions projects, as they require the import of services and goods for which payment may be restricted. The Argentine Government may impose or create further restrictions on the access to the MLC. In such case, the ability of Argentine corporations to make payments outside Argentina and to comply with their obligations and duties may be affected.

In addition, as a result of the deepening of exchange controls, the difference between the official exchange rate, which is currently utilized for both commercial and financial operations, and other informal exchange rates that arose implicitly as a result of certain operations commonly carried out in the capital market (dollar “MEP” or “cash with liquidation”), which increased during 2021, was a gap of approximately 92.56% as of December 31, 2021. The Argentine Government could maintain a single official exchange rate or create multiple exchange rates for different types of transactions, substantially modifying the applicable exchange rate at which we acquire currency to service our outstanding foreign currency denominated liabilities. We cannot predict how such current restrictions may evolve after this annual report, mainly regarding limitations to transfer funds outside the country. The Argentine Government may impose further exchange controls or restrictions to capital transfers and modify and adopt other policies that may limit or restrict our ability to access international capital markets, to make payments of principal and interest and other additional amounts outside the country (including payments relating to our notes), to import certain products or goods that we use as inputs, or affect in other ways our business and our operational results, or cause the market value of our ADSs and our common shares to decline.

Exchange controls in an economic environment in which the access to local capital markets is restricted may cause an adverse effect in our activities, mainly in our ability to make payments of principal and/or interest of our notes in foreign currency. For more information, please see “Item 10. Additional Information – Exchange Controls”.

Argentine public expenditure may generate negative consequences for the Argentine economy

Public expenditure has significantly increased throughout the last decade in Argentina. The Argentine Government adopted several measures to finance its high public expenditure, including, among others, using the resources of the Central Bank and the ANSES to fund its financial needs, and implementing an expansionary monetary policy that increased inflation levels. Primary deficit may increase in the future if public expenditure continues to increase faster than the Argentine Government’s revenues. A greater fiscal deficit may generate further complications for the Argentine Government’s ability to access the financial markets in the long term, and, at the same time, limit even more Argentine corporations’ access to those markets. For more information, please see Argentina’s ability to obtain financing from international markets could be limited, which may impair its ability to implement reforms and foster economic growth and, consequently, affect our business, results of our operations and growth prospects.”

As of the date of this annual report, we cannot predict how the measures that the Argentine Government has applied and may continue to apply will impact the Argentine economy, and, in turn, our business, our financial condition and the result of our operations.

There is no certainty as to the effects that the measures that the Argentine Government may adopt in order to resolve the crisis in the energy sector will have on our business operations, financial condition or results of operations.

The energy sector was one of the sectors most affected by the economic policies that the Argentine Government adopted from the crisis of 2001 onwards. At that time, a freeze on natural gas and electricity rates was imposed, which disincentivized investments in the sector. The Argentine government tried to boost investment by subsidizing energy consumption, but these measures were ineffective and caused both oil and gas production and electricity generation, transmission and distribution to stagnate, while consumption continued to grow. The energy crisis led to a scarcity scenario. The National Government’s response was to increase energy imports, generating adverse consequences for the trade balance and the international reserves of the BCRA.

The Macri administration declared a state of emergency with respect to the national electricity system in order to correct distortions in the sector and stimulate investment. The state of emergency allowed the National Government to adopt measures designed to stabilize the country’s electricity supply, such as eliminating certain energy subsidies and implementing significant adjustments to electricity rates to reflect generation costs. However, some measures of the Macri administration were challenged by the Argentine courts and resulted in injunctions or rulings that limited these measures, such as the injunction that suspended the increases in electricity rates implemented as of February 1, 2016 and holding a series of non-binding public hearings prior to approving the increases.

On May 21, 2021, Resolution No. 440/21 issued by the SE was published in the Official Gazette through which certain aspects of the remuneration scheme established by the SRRYME were modified through Resolution No. 1/19, effective as of as of February 1, 2020 and later modified by Resolution No. 31/2020. The new resolution establishes an increase in remuneration of around 29% retroactive to February 2021, and also eliminates the monthly adjustment contemplated in Resolution No. 31/2020.

On April 21, 2022, the remuneration scheme was modified by SE Resolution No. 238/22 that establishes a 30% increase in remuneration retroactive to February 2022 and a new 10% increase to be applied as from June 2022. It also eliminates the use factor used to calculate generators remuneration and the temporary energy export’s remuneration. For more information, please see “Item 4. The Argentine Energy Sector—Electricity Regulatory Framework”.

The failure to adopt new measures to correct problems in the generation, transportation and distribution of energy in Argentina could adversely affect the economic situation of Argentina and the business, financial condition and results of operations of the Company. Pampa cannot guarantee that the Argentine Government will not adopt measures that would have an adverse effect on the Company’s business and/or that the measures adopted by the Argentine Government will be sufficient to restore energy production in Argentina.

The Argentine economy and finances may be adversely affected as a consequence of a decrease in the international prices of commodities

The commodities market is characterized by its volatility. Commodities exports have contributed significantly to the revenues of the Argentine Government. Subsequently, the Argentine economy has remained relatively dependent on the price of its exports (mainly soy). During 2018, Argentina suffered a huge drought – presumably the biggest drought in the last 50 years. The effects of the drought in the agricultural sector caused significant economic problems for Argentina, with impacts in the soy and corn harvests that generated damages of approximately US$6 billion.

A sustained decrease in the international price of the main commodities exported by Argentina, or any future climate event or condition may have an adverse effect in the agricultural sector, and therefore in the revenues of the Argentine Government and its capacity to comply with the payments of its public debt, eventually generating recessive or inflationary pressures, thus affecting our business, financial situation and the results of our operations.

The operating costs of the Company could increase as a result of the promotion or adoption of certain measures by the Argentine Government as well as pressure from union sectors

In the past, the National Government has promoted and adopted laws and collective labor agreements that imposed on private sector employers the obligation to maintain certain salary levels and provide additional benefits to their employees. In addition, employers have come under strong pressure from their employees and from unions to grant wage increases and other benefits.

We cannot be sure that in the future the Argentine Government will not enact measures that result in increases in the minimum, vital and mobile salary and/or in benefits, compensation or other labor costs that employers must bear. Any salary increase and/or any other labor cost could result in higher costs and a decrease in the results of the Company’s operations (For more information, see “We employ a largely unionized labor force and could be subject to organized labor action, including work stoppages that could have a material adverse effect on our business”).

Failure to adequately address actual and perceived risks of institutional deterioration and corruption may adversely affect Argentina’s economy and financial condition.

A lack of a solid and transparent institutional framework for contracts with the Argentine Government and its agencies and corruption allegations have affected and continue to affect Argentina. Argentina ranked 66 of 180 in the Transparency International’s 2019 Corruption Perceptions Index and 119 of 190 in the World Bank’s Doing Business 2019 report.

As of the date of this annual report, there are various ongoing investigations into allegations of money laundering and corruption being conducted by the Office of the Argentine Federal Prosecutor, which have negatively impacted the Argentine economy and political environment. Depending on the results of these investigations and how long it takes to finalize them, companies involved may be subject to, among other consequences, a decrease in their credit ratings, having claims filed against them by investors in their equity and debt securities, and may further experience restrictions on their access to financing through the capital markets, all of which will likely decrease their income. Additionally, if criminal cases against companies move forward, they may be restricted from rendering services or may face new restrictions due to their customers’ internal policies and procedures. These adverse effects could restrict these companies’ ability to conduct their operating activities and to fulfill their financial obligations. Consequently, the number of suppliers available for our operations may be reduced which could in turn have an adverse effect on our commercial activities and results of operations.

Recognizing that the failure to address these issues could increase the risk of political instability, distort decision-making processes and adversely affect Argentina’s international reputation and ability to attract foreign investment, the Argentine Government has announced several measures aimed at strengthening Argentina’s institutions and reducing corruption. These measures include the reduction of criminal sentences in exchange for cooperation with the government in corruption investigations, increased access to public information, the seizing of assets from corrupt officials, increasing the powers of the Anticorruption Office (Oficina Anticorrupción) and submitting a bill for the issuance of a new public ethic law, among others. The government’s ability to implement these initiatives is uncertain as it would be subject to independent review by the judicial branch, as well as legislative support from opposition parties.

We cannot estimate the impact that these investigations could have on the Argentine economy. Similarly, it is not possible to predict the duration of corruption investigations, nor which companies might be involved or how far-reaching the effects of these investigations might be, particularly in the energy sector, or if there will be any other future investigations in this or other industry, which may negatively impact the Argentine economy. In turn, the decrease in investor confidence resulting from any of these, among other issues, could have a significant adverse effect on the growth of the Argentine economy, which could, in turn, harm our business, our financial condition and operational results and affect the trading price of our common shares and ADSs.

Any downgrade in the credit rating or rating outlook of Argentina could adversely affect both the rating and the market price of our ADS and our common shares

Argentina’s long-term debt denominated in foreign currency is currently rated as “Ca” by Moody’s, as “CCC+” by S&P and “CCC” by Fitch. On September 28, 2020, risk rating agencies decided to raise Argentina’s long-term sovereign credit rating, as a result of the closing of the debt renegotiation with private creditors and the initiation of the negotiation with the IMF for a new agreement.

We cannot guarantee that Argentina’s credit rating or rating outlook will not be downgraded in the future, which could have an adverse effect both on the rating and the market price of our ADS and our common shares.

The Argentine Government has intervened in the electricity sector in the past, and may continue intervening to adopt, among others, measures in connection with tariffs on public services

Historically, the Argentine Government has exerted a significant influence on the economy, including the energy sector, and companies such as us that operate in this sector have done so in a highly regulated context that aims mainly at guaranteeing the supply of domestic demand.

To address the Argentine economic crisis in 2001 and 2002, the Argentine Government adopted the Public Emergency Law No. 25,561 and other regulations, which made a number of material changes to the regulatory framework applicable to the electricity sector. These changes severely affected electricity generation, distribution and transmission companies. For more information, please see “Item 4. The Argentine Energy Sector—Electricity Regulatory Framework”.

Over the years, the Argentine Government adopted several measures in connection with tariffs on public services. One of the first measures of the current administration was to enact the Social Solidarity and Productive Reactivation Law, which, among other measures, established a 180-day freeze in energy and natural gas tariffs and the relaunching of RTIs (this period has been extended by Decree No. 543/2020 and Decree No. 1020/2020 until the RTI process concludes or the transitional tariff increase is put into effect). The law also enabled the President to intervene in the activities of the regulatory authorities (ENRE and ENARGAS), which occurred in March 2020 by Decrees No. 277/2020 and 278/2020, and in December 2021 by Decree No. 871/21. Moreover, Resolution SE 31/2020 modified the power generation segment’s remuneration scheme and established prices denominated in Argentine Pesos (formerly denominated in U.S. Dollars) and reduced such prices in different proportions according to the technology employed. On May 21, 2021 Resolution SE No. 440/21 modified Resolution SE No 31/20 and increased generators revenues by 29%; moreover, it repealed the application of the adjustment mechanism established in the previous resolution. The new resolution is applicable from February 2021, provided that the generator desists from any administrative or judicial claims against the lack of application of the automatic adjustment mechanism established in Resolution SE No. 31/20. For more information, please See “Item 4. The Argentine Energy Sector—Electricity Regulatory Framework”.

We cannot assure you that certain other regulations or measures that may be adopted by the Argentine Government will not have a material adverse effect on our business and operational results or on the market value of our shares and ADSs or that the Argentine Government will not adopt further emergency legislation, or other similar regulations in the future that may increase our obligations, including increased taxes, unfavorable alterations to our tariff structures or remuneration scheme and other regulatory obligations, compliance with which would increase our costs and may have a direct negative impact on our operational results and cause the market value of our ADSs and our common shares to decline.

Risks Relating to our Company

We operate a material portion of our business pursuant to public concessions granted by the Argentine Government, the revocation or termination of which would have a material adverse effect on our business

We conduct a material part of our businesses pursuant to public concessions granted by the Argentine Government. These concessions contain several requirements regarding the operation of those businesses and compliance with laws and regulations. Compliance with our obligations under our concessions is, in certain cases, secured by a pledge of our shares in the concessionaires in favor of the Argentine Government. Accordingly, upon the occurrence of specified events of default under these concessions, the Argentine Government would be entitled to foreclose on its pledge of the concessionaire and sell our shares in that concessionaire to a third party. Such sale would have a severe negative impact on our ability to operate a material portion of our business, and as a result, our operational results would be materially adversely affected. Finally, our concessions also generally provide for termination in the case of insolvency or bankruptcy of the concessionaire. If any of our concessions are terminated or if the Argentine Government forecloses its pledge over the shares we own in any of our concessionaire companies, such companies could not continue to operate as a going concern, and in turn our consolidated operational results would be materially adversely affected and the market value of our shares and ADSs could decline.

Our performance is largely dependent on recruiting and retaining key personnel

Our current and future performance and the operation of our business are dependent upon the contributions of our senior management and our skilled team of engineers and other employees. We depend on our ability to attract, train, motivate and retain key management and specialized personnel with the necessary skills and experience. There is no guarantee that we will be successful in retaining and attracting key personnel and the replacement of any key personnel who were to leave could be difficult and time consuming. The loss of the experience and services of key personnel or the inability to recruit suitable replacements and additional staff could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and operational results.

We employ a largely unionized labor force and could be subject to organized labor action, including work stoppages that could have a material adverse effect on our business

The sectors in which we operate are generally unionized across the country. As of December 31, 2021, 53.58% of our workforce was represented by unions under collective bargaining agreements. Although our relations with trade unions have been historically stable, we cannot be sure that we or our operating subsidiaries will not experience work stoppages or disruptions in the future, which could have material adverse effects on our business and revenues. A primary reason for this is that our collective bargaining agreements are negotiated on an annual basis. As such, we are unable to guarantee the continuity of current terms and conditions in subsequent collective bargaining agreements, nor that we will not be subject to strikes or work stoppages before or during the negotiation process. If we are unable to negotiate salary agreements or are subject to strikes or work stoppages, our operations, financial condition and the market value of our shares and ADSs could be materially affected in an adverse way.

In the event of an accident or other event not covered by our insurance policies, we could face significant losses that could result in a material adverse effect on our business and operational results

We carry insurance policies that are consistent with industry standards in each of our different business segments. Although we believe our insurance coverage is commensurate with international standards, no assurance can be given of the existence or sufficiency of risk coverage for any particular risk or loss both in our ongoing businesses or in the construction stages of our ongoing or future projects. If an accident or other event occurs that is not covered by our current insurance policies in any of our business segments or projects, we may experience material losses or have to disburse significant amounts from our own funds, which may have a material adverse effect on our net profits and our overall financial condition and the market value of our shares and ADSs.

We conduct a portion of our operations through joint ventures, and our failure to continue such joint ventures or to settle any potential material disagreements with our partners could have a material adverse effect on the success of these operations

We conduct a portion of our operations through joint ventures and as a result, the continuation of such joint ventures is vital to our continued success. In the event that any of our partners were to decide to terminate its relationship with us in any such joint venture or sell its interest in such joint venture, we may not be able to replace our partner or obtain the necessary financing to purchase our partner’s interest. Furthermore, in certain cases such as CITELEC, which holds a controlling interest of 52.65% in Transener and CIESA which has a controlling interest of 51% in TGS, we are not able to acquire our partners’ interests under applicable Argentine regulations. As a result, the failure to continue some of our joint ventures or to resolve any potential disagreement with our partners or to find new partners could adversely affect our ability to conduct the business that is the subject of such joint venture, which would in turn negatively affect our financial condition and operational results and the market value of our shares and ADSs.

If we are not able to effectively hedge our currency risk in full and a devaluation of the Argentine Peso occurs, our results of operations and financial condition could be materially adversely affected

Our revenues are mainly collected in Argentine Pesos. We are exposed to an exchange rate risk of Peso-denominated trade receivables related to power generation segment’s remuneration scheme established by Resolution SE 440/2021 (now Resolution SE 238/2022 as from February 2022. For more information, see “Item 4. The Argentine Energy Sector—Electricity Regulatory Framework”). Furthermore, a significant portion of our existing financial indebtedness is denominated in U.S. Dollars. If we are not able to effectively hedge all or a significant portion of our currency risk exposure, a devaluation of the Argentine Peso, may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

We and our affiliates are involved in various legal proceedings which could result in unfavorable rulings against us

We and our affiliates are party to a number of legal proceedings, some of which have been pending for several years. We cannot be certain that these claims will be resolved in our favor and responding to the demands of litigation may divert our management’s time and attention and our financial resources. See “Item 8. Legal Proceedings”.

Downgrades in our credit ratings could have negative effects on our funding costs and business operations

Credit ratings are assigned to the Company and its subsidiaries. The credit ratings are based on information furnished by us or obtained by the credit rating agencies from independent sources and are also influenced by the credit ratings of Argentine Government bonds and general views regarding the Argentine financial system as a whole. The credit ratings are subject to revision, suspension or withdrawal by the credit rating agencies at any time. A downgrade, suspension or withdrawal in our credit ratings could result in, among others, the following: (i) increased funding costs and other difficulties in raising funds; (ii) the need to provide additional collateral in connection with financial market transactions; and (iii) the termination or cancellation of existing agreements. As a result, our business, financial condition and operational results could be materially and adversely affected.

Cybersecurity events, such as a cyber-attack could adversely affect our business, financial condition, operational results and cash flows

We depend on the efficient and uninterrupted operation of internet-based data processing communication and information exchange platforms and networks, including administrative and business related systems, such as Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition and DCS Software, Inc. Cybersecurity risks have generally increased in recent years as a result of the proliferation of new technologies and the increased sophistication and activities of cyber-attacks. Through part of our business, we have increasingly connected equipment and systems to the internet. Furthermore, we depend on digital technology, including information systems to process financial and operating data, analyze seismic and drilling information and oil and gas reserves estimates. Due to the critical nature of our infrastructure and the increased accessibility enabled through connection to the internet, we may face a heightened risk of cybersecurity incidents such as computer break-ins, fraud, phishing, identity theft and other disruptions that could negatively affect the security of information stored in and transmitted through our computer systems and network infrastructure. In the event of a cyber-attack, we could experience disruption of our business operations, fraud, property damage and stolen customer information; substantial loss of revenues, response costs and other financial loss; and increased regulation, litigation and damage to our reputation. Our power generation operations are partially connected to the manufacturer systems for maintenance and control purposes. An attack on such third parties may affect our operations and information.

In 2021, the Company carried out the following measures: (i) for the fourth consecutive year, an annual cybersecurity training plan for all its employees with the aim of deepening awareness and learning regarding risks, threats and good practices in information security, where different interactive initiatives were carried out in relation to risks, threats and good practices in security matters; (ii) a cybersecurity assessment on our assets to determine the current level of maturity, compared to the last one carried out in 2019 (sustained growth was evident since security levels went from a Medium-Low level to a Medium level according to NIST metrics (NIST Cybersecurity Framework)); (iv) disaster recovery plans for both the administrative and control environments, in order to be prepared and recover operations in the event of disasters that could put the normal operation of the Company on hold; and (v) the development of a process for the management of security incidents in order to identify, manage, record and analyze security threats or incidents that occur in the organization. Through these measures, the Company seeks to offer a solid and complete vision of any cybersecurity problem in both administrative and control environments.

During 2021, we were the target of different cybersecurity threats, but they did not result in a significant loss or a negative impact on our operations since no attack attempt achieved its objective due to the measures implemented by the Company. The Company's risk and exposure to these events cannot be fully calculated or mitigated due, among other things, to the evolution and nature of these threats.

In addition, while we have not experienced any material loss related to cybersecurity events, contingency plans in place may not be sufficient to cover liabilities associated with any such events and therefore, applicable insurance coverage may be deemed inadequate, preventing us from receiving full compensation for the losses sustained as a result of such a disruption. Although we intend to continue to implement security technology devices and establish operational procedures to prevent disruption resulting from, and counteract the negative effects of cybersecurity incidents, it is possible that not all of our current and future systems are or will be entirely free from vulnerability and these security measures will not be successful. Accordingly, cybersecurity is a material risk for us and a cyber-attack (either targeting us or third-party infrastructure) could adversely affect our business, operational results and financial condition.

Our operations could cause environmental risks and any change in environmental laws could increase our operating costs

Some of our operations are subject to environmental risks that could arise unexpectedly and cause material adverse effects on our operational results and financial condition. In addition, the occurrence of any of these risks could lead to personal injury, loss of life, environmental damage, repair and expenses, equipment damage and liability in civil, criminal and administrative proceedings. We cannot assure you that we will not incur additional costs related to environmental issues in the future, which could adversely affect our operational results and financial condition. In addition, we cannot ensure that our insurance coverage is sufficient to cover the losses that could potentially arise from these environmental risks.

Moreover, we are subject to a broad range of environmental legislation, both in Argentina and in other countries where companies we have interests in are located. Local, provincial and national authorities in Argentina and other countries where companies we have interests in are located may implement new environmental laws and regulations and may require us to incur higher costs to comply with new standards. The imposition of more stringent regulatory and permit requirements in relation to our operations in Argentina could significantly increase the costs of our activity.

We cannot predict the effects of the implementation of any new environmental laws and regulations on our financial condition and operational results.

CAMMESA could alter and delay payments to power generators and fuel producers

Electricity generators receive, through CAMMESA, payments corresponding to the power availability and the energy effectively supplied to the spot market and under the contracts with CAMMESA. There is a deficit between the inflows from electricity distribution companies and large users and outflows payable to generation and fuel production companies. The Argentine Government has covered such deficit through non-reimbursable contributions from the treasury to CAMMESA. If these treasury contributions are shown not to be enough to cover all of the generators and fuel producer’s claims against CAMMESA, CAMMESA’s payable account would grow over time. As of the date hereof, there is still a portion of the generation costs that is covered by the Argentine Government (approximately 47% during the year 2021, according to estimations of CAMMESA). We cannot assure you that the portion of the generation costs not covered by retail distributors’ end-user will not increase in the future or that CAMMESA will be able to pay the generators and fuel producers for its debts. The generators and fuel producers’ inability to collect their receivables from CAMMESA could have a material adverse effect on their income, working capital funding and, consequently, on their operational results and financial and liquidity condition. For more information, please see “Item 4—Relevant Events— Measures Designed by the Argentine Government to Address the Covid-19 Outbreak”, “Impact of the Covid-19 outbreak on our Operations and “The Argentine Energy Sector—Electricity Regulatory Framework”.

Certain of our outstanding financial indebtedness includes bankruptcy, reorganization proceedings and expropriation events of default and we may be required to repay all of our outstanding debt upon the occurrence of any such events

As of the date of this annual report, certain expropriation and condemnation events with respect to us may constitute an event of default, which, if declared, could trigger the acceleration of our obligations under the relevant indebtedness and require us to immediately repay all such accelerated indebtedness. In addition, a significant part of our outstanding financial indebtedness includes certain events of default related to bankruptcy and voluntary reorganization proceedings (“concurso preventivo”). If we are not able to comply with certain payment obligations as a result of our financial situation and if the requirements set forth in the Argentine Bankruptcy Law No. 24,522 are met, any creditor, or even we, would be qualified to file for bankruptcy, or we would be able to file for a voluntary reorganization proceeding (“concurso preventivo”). In addition, certain of our outstanding financial indebtedness also includes cross-default or cross-acceleration provisions that could cause all of our indebtedness to be accelerated if the indebtedness including the expropriation or bankruptcy or reorganization proceeding events of default goes into default or is accelerated. In such case, we would expect to actively pursue formal waivers from the corresponding financial creditors to avoid such potential situation, but if those waivers are not timely obtained and an immediate repayment is required, we could face short-term liquidity problems, which could adversely affect our operational results and cause the market value of our ADSs to decline.

Covenants in our indebtedness could adversely restrict our financial and operating flexibility

Some of our current indebtedness includes, and our future indebtedness may include, affirmative and restrictive covenants that limit our ability to create liens, incur additional indebtedness, dispose of our assets, pay dividends or consolidate, merge or sell part of our businesses. These restrictions may limit our ability to operate our business and may prohibit or limit our ability to enhance our operations or take advantage of potential business opportunities as they arise. The breach of any of these covenants or the failure to meet any of such conditions could result in a default under the relevant indebtedness. Our ability to comply with these covenants may be affected by events beyond our control, including prevailing economic, financial and industry conditions and the renegotiation of concessions and licenses used in our businesses.

Our businesses are subject to risks arising from natural disasters, catastrophic accidents and terrorist attacks. Additionally, our businesses are subject to the risk of mechanical or electrical failures and any resulting unavailability may affect our ability to fulfill our contractual commitments and thus adversely affect our business and financial performance

Our power generation facilities, pipelines and hydrocarbon blocks or the third-party fuel transportation or power transmission infrastructure that we rely on, may be damaged by flooding, fires, earthquakes and other catastrophic disasters arising from natural or accidental or intentional human causes. We could experience severe business disruptions, significant decreases in revenues based on lower demand arising from catastrophic events, or significant additional costs not otherwise covered by business interruption insurance clauses. There may be an important time lag between a major accident, catastrophic event or terrorist attack and our definitive recovery from our insurance policies, which typically carry non-recoverable deductible amounts, and are subject to caps per event. In addition, any of these events could cause adverse effects on the demand of some of our customers and of consumers generally in the affected market. Some of these considerations could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and our result of operations.

Additionally, our facilities are subject to the risk of mechanical or electrical failures and may experience periods of unavailability affecting our ability to fulfill our contractual commitments. Any unplanned unavailability of our facilities may adversely affect our financial condition or operational results and our ability to fulfill our contractual commitments, so we could be subject to fines and penalties. For example, in June 2019, Argentina suffered a general blackout which hindered the operation of our facilities. Although our power generation units, power transmission and electricity distribution^[1] grid did not suffer any damage, we cannot guarantee that any other event in the Argentine grid would not affect our units and consequently their availability to fulfill our contractual commitments and our operational results.

Our activities may be adversely affected by events in other countries in which we do business

Although most of our operations and activities are concentrated in Argentina, we have investments in other countries in Latin America, a region that has experienced significant economic, social, political and regulatory volatility. In recent periods, many governments in Latin America have taken steps to assert greater control or increase their share of revenues from the energy sector, spurred by soaring oil and gas prices and nationalist policies. The level of government intervention in the economy of Latin American countries has adversely affected our business and operational results, and it may adversely affect it in the future.

The national antitrust authorities could decide not to approve the acquisition of the CTEB

On May 29, 2019, the Company, after having made a joint offer, received a notification from IEASA, in which Pampa and YPF, were awarded the National and International Public Bid No. CTEB 02/2019, which was launched through Resolution No. 160/19 of the Secretary of Government of Energy, regarding the sale and transfer by IEASA of the goodwill of the CTEB (the “CTB Transaction”), for which closing was on June 26, 2019. As of the date of this annual report, the CTB Transaction has not been approved by the national antitrust authorities. In the event that the CTB Transaction is not approved, the business, the financial situation and the results of the operations of the Company could be substantially and adversely affected, and the Company could even be forced to reverse and unwind the CTB Transaction and undo all its effects.

We and our subsidiaries continue evaluating investment projects to expand our activity, which could imply an increase in our indebtedness

Some of our and our subsidiaries’ investment projects could be guaranteed by Pampa, incurring additional guaranteed debt. Therefore, if we declare bankruptcy or are liquidated, the guaranteed lenders will have priority over the claims for payment of our notes to the extent of the assets that constitute their guarantee.

If assets remain after the payment of the guaranteed lenders, those assets could be insufficient to satisfy the credits of the holders of our corporate bonds and other unsecured debt, as well as the credits of other general creditors who will be entitled to participate pro rata with the holders of our corporate bonds.

Climate change, energy transition and regulatory framework promoted for such purposes could affect our business, our results of operations and financial condition

Global climate change creates new challenges for the energy industry and its adverse effects are a common concern of humanity. Consequently, the United Nations and several countries have adopted, or are evaluating the adoption of new measures and/or regulatory requirements for the mitigation or reduction of GHG emissions in the atmosphere, such as taxes on carbon, raising efficiency standards or adopting cap and trade regimes. Certain mitigation actions could require radical changes to development models, such as the transition from the use of conventional energy sources to the use of renewable energy sources, which reduce environmental pollution, contribute to sustainable development and avoid global warming since the GHG emissions of renewable energy sources are usually very low.

^[1] Divested in June 2021.

The risks associated with climate change involve severe weather events; legal and regulatory risks, including eventual litigation with respect to environmental damage and climate change; market risk; reputational risk with investors; lower consumption of fossil fuels; and energy transitions in the global economy towards a lower carbon energy matrix with the inclusion of substitute products for fossil fuels and greater use of electricity, which may cause a negative impact on the demand for our products in the long term and could have an adverse effect on our results of operations.

The Argentine Government is carrying out different strategies to combat climate change with the help of the United Nations Development Program. For example, in 2006, Law No. 26,190, as amended, established a legal framework that promotes an increase in the participation of energy from renewable resources in electricity consumption in Argentina. Likewise, in 2019, the Argentine Government focused on implementing policies, programs and projects in order to prevent, mitigate or reduce impacts associated with climate change. If the Argentine Government adopts additional measures, such measures could generate higher production costs, negatively impacting our competitiveness. Likewise, the Argentine Government can modify the demand for hydrocarbons towards relatively low-carbon sources, such as renewable energies. For more information, please see “Item 4. The Argentine Energy Sector—Electricity Regulatory Framework”. We cannot assure you that other regulations or measures that may be adopted by the Argentine Government will not have an adverse effect on our business and our results of operations.

The progress and challenges of the energy transition could have a significant adverse effect on the Company if it is unable to keep up with the pace of the global energy transition and allocate its resources towards efficient energy sources and resources to address the concerns related to climate change, which could have a material adverse effect on the results of our operations and our financial condition.

Uncertainty relating to the LIBOR transition process and the phasing out of LIBOR may adversely affect us.

On July 27, 2017, the Chief Executive of the FCA, which regulates the LIBOR, announced that it intends to stop persuading or compelling banks to submit rates for the calibration of LIBOR to the administrator of LIBOR after 2021. Also, sterling, euro, Swiss franc and Japanese yen LIBOR panels, as well as panels for 1-week and 2-month US dollar LIBOR, have already ceased as of December 31, 2021, with the remaining US dollar LIBOR panels ceasing at end-June 2023. We have some financings that are indexed to LIBOR. We cannot predict whether and to what extent LIBOR will be supported or whether any additional reforms to LIBOR may be enacted. At this time, no consensus exists as to what rate or rates may become acceptable alternatives to LIBOR (with the exception of overnight repurchase agreements, which are expected to be based on the SOFR. When LIBOR rates are no longer available, and we are required to implement substitute indices for the calculation of interest rates under our financings, we may experience expenses in effecting the transition, and may be subject to disputes or litigation with lenders over the appropriateness or comparability to LIBOR of the substitute indices, which could have an adverse effect on our results of operations.

Risks Relating to Our Businesses

Risks Relating to Our Generation Business

There are electricity transmission constraints in Argentina that may prevent us from dispatch, which could materially adversely affect the financial results of our generation business

During certain times of the year, more electricity can be generated than can be transmitted. Consequently, our dispatch may be affected. Moreover, if our wind farms projects cannot achieve dispatch priority, we may face energy sale curtailments. We cannot make any assurance that required investments will be made to increase the capacity of the transmission system. As a result of lower dispatch, our generation business may record lower operating profits than we anticipate, which could adversely affect our consolidated operational results and financial condition and the market value of our shares and ADSs. For more information, please see “Item 4. The Argentine Energy Sector—Electricity Regulatory Framework”.

If the demand for energy is increased suddenly, current levels of power generation and the difficulty in increasing the capacity of transmission and distribution companies in a short or medium term, could adversely affect the Company

Until 2016, the increase in electricity demand was greater than the structural increase in electricity generation, transmission and distribution capacities, which led to power shortages and disruptions, on certain occasions. A sustained increase in electricity demand could generate future shortages. In addition, the condition of the Argentine electricity market has provided little incentive to generators and distributors to further invest in increasing their generation and distribution capacity, respectively, which would require material long-term financial commitments. Although there were several investments in generation during the following years, which increased the installed capacity, the highest density of investments was concentrated in the Greater Buenos Aires area. It is still necessary to make several investments in the transmission and distribution system to guarantee the delivery of electricity to the users and reduce the frequency of interruptions.

The dispatch of electricity by generators could be substantially and adversely affected since the transmission line may lack sufficient capacity to transport the output of all connected power plants. As a result, our operational results could be affected, as well as our financial condition.

We cannot affirm that we will not experience a lack of dispatch from our units or government intervention could not adversely affect our businesses’ financial condition and operational results and cause the market value of our ADSs and our common shares to decline.

Changes in certain regulations may require the adjustment of the facilities of our power plants that may require new investments or may affect the dispatch of our generators

Certain regulations, particularly those related to the environment (e.g. emissions prohibitions to use certain consumables or materials, etc.) and public safety (e.g. public roads and railway crossings), may vary from time to time which may require adjustment and work on our power plants. We cannot assure you that these kind of measures or any future measure will not lead to us record lower revenues and operational results as a result of the new investments or lack of availability or dispatch until such investments are made.

Additionally, pursuant to Note No. 5,129/13, the former SE instructed CAMMESA to optimize the dispatch of WEM’s generators according to the available fuels and their actual costs. On the other hand, the new dispatch scheme established as a consequence of Plan Gas.Ar may also affect the dispatch and variable income of our power plants. This new dispatch scheme divides the dispatch of thermal generators in five categories according to the source of the natural gas supply and modifies the previous cost-based dispatch. Consequently, our power plants dispatch may be affected. We cannot make any assurance that required investments will be made to increase the capacity of the transmission system. Such modifications or any other modifications or any other measures may result in a lower dispatch of our generators, and our generation business may record lower operating profits than we anticipate and, in turn, such modifications could adversely affect our operational results and financial conditions. For more information, please see “Item 4. The Argentine Energy Sector—Electricity Regulatory Framework”.

We may be unable to collect amounts due, or to collect them in a timely manner, from CAMMESA and other customers in the electricity sector, which would have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and operational results

Electricity generators, including ourselves and our subsidiaries, are paid by CAMMESA for their energy and capacity sold on the spot market, which collects revenue from other WEM agents. As of the date of this annual report, the SE has not instructed CAMMESA to pay the generators the amounts collected from WEM agents on account of interest from delayed payments to CAMMESA. Additionally, the stabilization fund created by the SE to cover the difference between the spot price and the seasonal price of electricity recorded a permanent deficit. This difference was due to the intervention of the Argentine Government and the measures adopted pursuant to the Public Emergency Law. For more information, please see “Item 4. The Argentine Energy Sector—Electricity Regulatory Framework”.

We cannot provide any assurance that the above mentioned measures aimed at reducing the debt of distributors and large users will have a positive effect on CAMMESA’s payments or that any new measures will be implemented, that the difference between the spot price and the seasonal price will not increase in the future, that the Argentine Government will use funds of the National Treasury to cover any differences or that CAMMESA will be able to pay generators, both with respect to energy and capacity sold in the spot market. In fact, since November 2019, payments from CAMMESA, which should be settled within 42 days from the end of the month, have been delayed and have been settled within approximately 80 days instead (except for RenovAr agreements which are paid in a timely manner and have FODER’s guarantee). Furthermore, as a consequence of the suspension of the incorporation or renewal of contracts in the term market (except for the Energy Plus program and MAT ER), the revenues of electricity generators will depend on the payments received from CAMMESA. For more information, please see “Item 4. The Argentine Energy Sector—Electricity Regulatory Framework”. Moreover, no electricity exports are allowed to private generators, while CAMMESA does export electricity to countries such as Brazil (under certain bilateral agreements), dispatching Argentine private generators. Although the SE granted spot market generators a temporary additional payment which was repealed as of February 2022 (See “Item 4. The Argentine Energy Sector—Electricity Regulatory Framework”), we cannot assure you that such revenues will repeat in the future.

Our generation units, which sells its production under the Energy Plus regime and MAT ER, collect their revenues, mainly, from WEM Large Users. The Covid-19 outbreak, economic crisis and/or a failure of such customers to their payment obligations may affect our revenues.

The inability of generators, including us and certain of our subsidiaries, to collect their credits from CAMMESA or WEM Large Users, or to collect them in a timely manner, may have a material adverse effect on the revenues of our generation subsidiaries and accordingly, on our operational results and financial condition and the market value of our shares and ADSs.

New measures encouraging renewable energy generation projects may affect our generation sales

Law No. 27,191 was enacted on October 15, 2015, determining, among other things, that by December 31, 2025, 20% of the total domestic energy demand must be sourced from renewable energy sources. In order to meet such goal, the statute required wholesale users and CAMMESA to cover their respective portion of domestic energy demand with renewable sources of energy at 8% by December 31, 2017. The percentage of domestic energy demand required to be covered by renewable energy increases every two years reaching 20% by 2025. The statute also includes tax and other benefits for new renewable energy projects. As of December 31, 2021, 12% of the domestic energy demand was covered by renewable sources of energy.

Additionally, under Resolution 281/2017 the ME&M regulated the contracts for energy of renewable sources among WEM agents. Such resolution allows GUMA to purchase their total energy demand from a generator of renewable sources that made an investment in generation (see “Item 4. Our Generation Business—Renewable Energy”). However, we cannot make any assurances that the implementation of this law and its regulation will not affect our generation sales, particularly sales under the Energy Plus regime, which, in turn, could adversely affect our operational results and financial condition.

Our ability to generate electricity in our thermal generation plants depends on the availability of natural gas (and other fuels), and fluctuations in the supply or price of gas could materially adversely affect our operational results

The supply or price of gas used in our generation business has been and may from time to time continue to be affected by, among others, the availability of gas in Argentina, our ability to enter into contracts with local gas producers and gas transportation companies, the need to import a larger amount of gas at a higher price than the price applicable to domestic supply in the event of a shortage in domestic production.

Several of our generation facilities are equipped to run solely on gas and, in the event that gas becomes unavailable, these facilities will not be able to switch to other types of fuel in order to continue generating electricity. If we are unable to purchase gas at prices that are favorable to us, if the supply of gas is reduced or if CAMMESA does not provide gas to our generation facilities (given the recent measures that returned to a centralized natural gas supply by CAMMESA), our costs could increase or our ability to profitably operate our generation facilities could be impaired. Moreover, WEM supply agreements under Energía Plus and SEE Resolution 287/17 also require that the generator covers its fuel supply. Although our generators have recently agreed to assign their natural gas supply to cover such obligations to CAMMESA, such assignment might terminate and, consequently, if we cannot guarantee our fuel supply, penalties under such supply agreements may apply, which, together with a lower production of the relevant generation units, could adversely affect our operational results. For more information, please see “Item 4. The Argentine Energy Sector—Electricity Regulatory Framework”.

Until November 2018, supply remained centralized in CAMMESA (with the exception of fuel supply for generators covered by the Energy Plus program) as provided for by SE Resolution No. 95/2013 and amending provisions. SGE Resolution No. 70/2018 authorized power generators, co-generators and self-generators within the WEM to acquire fuels required for own power generation, originally for units corresponding to capacity under the SEE Resolution No. 19/17, and later being extended to units under PPAs executed with CAMMESA. It should be noted that CAMMESA remained in charge of the commercial management and the dispatch of fuels for power generators which ‘do not or cannot’ make use of such capacity. However, SE Resolution No. 12/2019 abrogated SGE Resolution No. 70/2018 and returned to the CAMMESA centralized fuel supply scheme as established in SE Resolution No. 95/2013, as amended. For more information, please see “Item 4. The Argentine Energy Sector—Electricity Regulatory Framework”.

Any disruption or inability to acquire the necessary fuels for our generation business could, in turn, materially adversely affect our operational results and financial condition and the market value of our ADSs.

Penalties may be applied under our energy supply agreements with CAMMESA which may adversely affect the revenues derived from such contracts or from our generation units

We have executed several energy supply agreements with CAMMESA in which a breach of our commitments allows CAMMESA to apply penalties to us that may adversely affect the revenues derived from such contracts, such as: (i) a breach of the availability commitments set forth in our WEM supply agreements under SE Resolution No. 220/2007, SEE Resolution No. 21/2016 and SEE Resolution 287/17 allows CAMMESA to apply penalties to us that may adversely impact the revenues derived from such agreements, which in turn may adversely affect our results; (ii) a breach of the energy delivery commitments set forth in Greenwind’s PPA allows CAMMESA to apply penalties to the generator that may adversely impact the revenues derived by the generator from such agreements and, ultimately, result in the obligation to sell the assets involved in the operation of the wind farm, which in turn may adversely affect our results; and (iii) a breach of PEPE III’s Expansion Project obligations to enter into commercial operations by the committed date in the process for obtaining the priority dispatch as established in Resolution ME&M No. 281-E/17 may result in the loss of the priority dispatch with no claim for the payments made in consideration of such priority. For more information, please See “Item 4. Our Generation Business—Renewable Energy” and “Electricity Regulatory Framework”.

Penalties and or other sanctions may be applied for breaches to applicable regulation or for not having in a timely manner the required permits for the operation of our generation units, which may adversely affect the availability and revenues derived from our generation units

Our generation units are subject to an extensive regulation from local, provincial and national authorities. A breach to such regulation or to obtain and keep in a timely manner the relevant permits and authorizations may result in fines and other sanctions which affect our operational results.

For instance, in CPB we use seawater to refrigerate the generation units. According to applicable provincial law, such activity requires a concession to be granted by the provincial government. We consulted the regulatory authorities who informed us that, according to their files, no such concession has been granted to us. The penalties for such infringement may vary from the application of a maximum Ps.50,000 fine to the closing of the plant. While we consider that the likelihood of any such penalties being imposed is low, we cannot assure you that the operation of CPB would not be affected if such penalties were to be imposed.

A breach to our energy supply agreements with CAMMESA may, ultimately, cause the termination of such agreements, which could adversely affect our operational results.

A breach of certain conditions set forth in the PPAs, such as those under SE Resolution No. 220/2007, SEE Resolution No. 21/2016, SEE Resolution No. 287/17 and Greenwind’s PPA, may cause the early termination of such agreements, if the generator loses its authorization to act as a generator in the WEM, initiates bankruptcy procedures, suffers judicial intervention, or certain other events happen, which could adversely affect our operational results. For more information, please see “Item 4. The Argentine Energy Sector—Electricity Regulatory Framework”.

Revenues from Greenwind, PEPE II and PEPE III depend on meteorological conditions and the ability to contract the energy to be produced by the wind farms to WEM Large Users

Greenwind, PEPE II and PEPE III’s energy generation depends on the prevailing meteorological conditions. Meteorological conditions that result in lower winds could lead to a breach of our sales commitments with CAMMESA (in the case of Greenwind) and WEM Large Users (PEPE II and PEPE III). Such breach could lead, in turn, to the application of penalties in favor of our clients (such penalties differ based on the type of contract executed with each PEPE II and PEPE III client).

Moreover, PEPE II and PEPE III depend on their ability to have their estimated energy generation fully contracted with WEM Large Users and for each project to maintain its priority dispatch. If a project loses its priority dispatch, its ability to contract its energy generation could be impaired. Moreover, if the energy generation is not contracted with WEM Large Users, then such energy will be remunerated according to SE Resolution 31/20 which establishes lower prices. The ability to contract the projects’ energy generation may also be impaired by regulatory measures taken by CAMMESA or the relevant authorities. For example, measures that affect WEM Large Users to exit the “Group Purchase Mechanism” (Mecanismo de Compra Conjunta), a mechanism by means of which WEM Large Users may comply with their statutory obligations to purchase renewable energy from CAMMESA, would result in lower demand for renewable energy from MAT ER projects and, therefore, potentially affect our operational results.

Our ability to generate electricity at our hydroelectric generation plants may be negatively affected by poor hydrological conditions, which could, in turn affect our operational results

Prevailing hydrological conditions could adversely affect the operations of our hydroelectric generation plants owned by HINISA, HIDISA and HPPL, in several ways which we cannot fully predict. Hydrological conditions since 2006, the year in which our units recorded the greatest intake to date, have been poor. The worst conditions were registered in 2014, in which the water intake at HINISA and HIDISA available for electricity generation was 62% and 64% lower, respectively, as compared to 2006. A prolonged continuation of poor conditions could force the Argentine Government to focus its generation efforts on the use of other sources of electricity generation. In the event of electricity shortages, the Argentine Government could mandate the implementation of broad electricity conservation programs, including mandatory reductions in electricity generation or consumption; the Argentine Government could also mandate increased production from thermal plants that use fossil fuels as their generation sources and preserve the available water resources for future electricity generation. Although such a shift in production could benefit our thermal generation plants, it would negatively affect our hydroelectric plants and any mandated reduction in electricity generation or consumption could reduce revenues in our generation business and lead to a decline in our consolidated operational results, which may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and the market value of our shares and ADSs.

Moreover, in a case where the water level of the dams of our hydroelectric facilities decreases to the minimums established in the applicable concession contract, the local water authority (i.e. the Province of Mendoza and the Interjurisdictional Authority (“Autoridad Interjurisdiccional de Cuenca” or “AIC”) would gain control of the amount of water that may be dispatched in order to assure the continuity of other water uses such as human consumption and irrigation.

Operational difficulties could limit our ability to generate electricity, which could adversely affect our operational results

We may experience operational difficulties that could require us to temporarily suspend operations or otherwise affect our ability to generate electricity and, as a result, adversely impact our operating results. These difficulties may affect our generation equipment, electromechanical components or, in general, any of our assets required for the supply of electricity. We cannot make any assurances that events of such nature will not occur in the future. While we maintain comprehensive insurance for each of our facilities, we cannot make any assurances that the amounts for which we are insured or the amounts that we may receive under such insurance policies would cover all of our losses. If operational difficulties prevent our generation of electricity, the disruption may lead to reduced revenues from our generation business, which would have an adverse effect on our operational results and may negatively affect the market value of our shares or ADSs.

We may no longer own a controlling interest in HINISA, if the Province of Mendoza sells its participation in HINISA

We own a 52.04% controlling stake in HINISA, a hydroelectric generation company in the Province of Mendoza, Argentina, and the Province of Mendoza, through EMESA, currently owns 47.96% of the capital stock of HINISA. In 2006, the Province of Mendoza publicly announced its intention to sell shares representing 37.75% of the capital stock of HINISA pursuant to HINISA’s concession. If the Province of Mendoza sells these shares, we will be required to sell 20% of HINISA’s capital stock and would no longer own a controlling 52.04% interest in HINISA. In addition, according to HINISA’s by-laws, we would not be permitted to purchase any additional shares of HINISA.

We currently consolidate the operational results of HINISA. If we lose our controlling interest in HINISA, it may have a significant adverse effect on the value of our investment in HINISA and on our consolidated operational results and the market value of the Company. In addition, we have no control over the timing of the Province of Mendoza’s proposed sale or the price at which we would be required to sell our 20% of HINISA’s shares. As a result, these shares may be sold at a time and price per share that are adverse to our interests and the return on our investment in HINISA.

We could be exposed to third-party claims on real property utilized for its operations that could result in the imposition of significant damages, for which we have not established a provision in our consolidated financial statements for potential losses

At the time of CPB’s privatization in 1997, the Province of Buenos Aires agreed to expropriate and transfer to CPB the real property on which the plant was built and to create administrative easements in our favor over the third-party lands through which a gas pipeline and an electricity transmission line run. Although the Province of Buenos Aires is in the process of expropriating the property on which the plant is built, as of the date of this annual report, it had not transferred all of the real property with clear and marketable title to us. In addition, the Province of Buenos Aires has not created the administrative easements for CPB’s gas pipeline or the electricity transmission line. In July 2008, we sued the Province of Buenos Aires seeking the creation of the administrative easements in our favor. We have received several complaint letters from third parties seeking compensation for the use of this land. If the Province does not complete the expropriation process or the administrative easement process, we may be exposed to judicial claims by third parties seeking compensation or damages for which we have not established a provision in our consolidated financial statements. If we were required to pay material damages or compensation for the right to use this real property as a result of adverse outcomes from legal proceedings, we could be required to use cash from operations to cover such costs, which could have a materially adverse effect on our financial condition and consolidated operational results and cause the market value of our ADSs to decline.

This risk extends to our thermal generation plant CTIW which is constructed on CPB’s real property.

Our profits may be affected by our failure to fulfill the requirements of the Energy Plus Program or by the modification or the cancellation of such program

If we do not comply with the requirements of the Energy Plus Program (SE Resolution No. 1281/2006) or if such program is modified or canceled, the non-compliant party would have to sell the production on the spot market, and also, eventually, under the remuneration scheme applicable to the spot market, which could affect our revenues. In October 2015, CAMMESA issued Note No. B-102407-4, pursuant to which it mandated us to sell our uncommitted production under the Energy Plus Program to the spot market under the price scheme established by SE Resolution No. 482/2015 (currently SE Resolution 238/2022 - ).

In Note No. 567/07, as amended, the SE established the CMIEE as a maximum fee for WEM Large Users for their surplus demand in the event that they do not have their demand backed with a contract under the Energy Plus Program. As of the date of this annual report, the CMIEE applicable to GUMAs and GUMEs is equal to the higher between 1200 Ps./MWh or the transitory dispatch overcharge and for GUDIs of 0 Ps./MWh. The CMIEE implies an indirect maximum limit of one of the components of the price that generators under the Energy Plus Program may charge. The detrimental effect that such limits could have on our generators could be exacerbated if the Peso continues to devalue. As a consequence, if the CMIEE is not adjusted or a higher devaluation of the Peso occurs, this could result in a decline in prices charged by our generators under their Energy Plus Program contracts or in a discontinuance of the Energy Plus contracts, forcing such generators to sell the capacity and energy unsold in the spot market at lower prices.

The guarantees granted by the Company to its affiliates could be enforced, which could have an adverse effect on results of our operations

The Company has guaranteed in due time and form the fulfillment of payment obligations and commercial obligations of some of its affiliates. In the event that the affiliates do not comply with the obligations assumed, the guarantees granted by the Company could be enforced in accordance with their terms and conditions.

As of the date of this annual report, no breaches have occurred that triggered the guarantees, but the Company cannot assure that they will not occur in the future. Such breaches may have an adverse effect on our operational results.

Events that affected PEPE II and PEPE III or similar events may occur in our energy projects

After PEPE II and PEPE III began their commercial operations, certain defects were evident in the blades of their wind turbines, which led to their inability to be used. Many of the blades had to be replaced. Although the Company and the wind turbine supplier took all necessary measures to replace and repair the defects, we cannot assure the full effectiveness of such repairs or that such defects or other defects do not arise in the future, for example in PEPE III’s Expansion Project, which in turn may affect the operations of the Company's wind farms and have an adverse effect on the business, our financial condition, operational results or our ability to pay our debts.

We may face competition in the electricity sector and related industries

Numerous strong and capable participants characterize the power generation markets in which we operate, many of which may have extensive and diversified developmental or operating experience and financial resources similar to or significantly greater than ours. An increase in competition could cause reductions in prices and increase acquisition prices for fuel, raw materials and existing assets and, therefore, adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition. We compete with other generation companies for the megawatt of capacity that is allocated through public auction processes. For more information, please see “Item 4. Our Generation Business”.

We and our competitors are connected to the same electrical grid that has limited capacity for transportation, which, under certain circumstances, may reach its capacity limits. Therefore, new generators may connect, or existing generators may increase, their outputs and dispatch more electric power to the same grid that would prevent us from delivering our energy to our customers. In addition, the Argentine Government might not make the necessary investments to increase the system’s capacity. If there is an increase in energy output, it would allow us and existing and new generators to dispatch our energy to the grid and our customers efficiently. As a result, an increase in competition could affect our ability to deliver our product to our customers, which would adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.

 Risks arise for our business from technological changes in the energy market

 The energy market is subject to far-reaching technological change, both on the generation and demand sides. With respect to energy generation, examples include the development of energy storage devices (battery storage in the megawatt range) or facilities for the temporary storage of power through conversion to gas (so-called “power-to-gas-technology”), the increase in energy supply due to new technological applications such as fracking or the digitalization of generation and distribution networks. New technologies to increase energy efficiency and improve heat insulation, for the direct generation of power at the consumer level, or that will enhance refeeding (for example, by using power storage for renewable generation) may, on the demand side, lead to structural market changes in favor of energy sources with low or zero carbon dioxide emissions or in favor of decentralized power generation, (for instance, via small-scale power plants within or close to residential areas or industrial facilities).

 If our business cannot react to changes caused by new technological developments and the associated changes in market structure, these changes may have an adverse effect on our operational results.

If in the future we are not in a position to renew our PPAs or execute new PPAs, or if such PPAs are unilaterally modified or resolved, our results of operations and financial condition could be materially adversely affected

We have executed several energy supply agreements with CAMMESA under SE Resolution No. 220/2007, SEE Resolution No. 21/2016, SEE Resolution 287/17 and Renovar Programs. In 2021, two of these energy supply agreements with CAMMESA expired: (i) the 10-year term contract for CTP expired in July 2021; and (ii) the 10-year term contract for CTLL expired in October 2021 (210 MW in total). Such PPAs could not be renewed. Moreover, the 10-year term contract for CTEB expires in April 2022 (567 MW). Consequently, energy not committed under sales contracts with CAMMESA will be remunerated at the Spot market, currently, under SE Resolution No. 238/22. For more information, please see “Item 4. The Argentine Energy Sector—Electricity Regulatory Framework”.

We cannot assure you that we will be in a position to renew our PPAs or execute new PPAs, or that such PPAs will not be unilaterally modified or resolved or that certain other regulations or measures that may be adopted by the Argentine Government in connection with the electricity regulatory framework will not have a material adverse effect on our business, operational results and financial condition.

Delays in obtaining the required permits and authorizations for new power generation projects may affect the estimated entry into commercial operations and affect the expected revenues from such projects. Moreover, penalties and fines may apply

Our expansion projects require several permits and authorizations to be obtained at scheduled dates in order to accomplish entry into commercial operations at the estimated dates. We have recently experienced several delays from competent authorities in the issuance of such permits and authorizations.

We cannot assure you that, even when fulfilling all and any legal requirements, the relevant permits would be granted as scheduled. Delays in the entry into commercial operations may result in penalties, loss of sales and increased costs and payments, which would affect our operational results.

Electricity demand may be affected by price increases, which could lead power generators such as the Company to record lower revenues

During the economic crisis between 2001 and 2002 in Argentina, the demand for electricity was reduced. This reduction was due to the general decrease in economic activity and the difficulty of many consumers in paying their electricity bills. However, in the following years, electricity demand grew significantly: an average year-on-year increase of 3.5% was recorded in total between 2002 and 2017 (despite a drop in 2009), according to information provided by CAMMESA. This increase in electricity demand was mainly driven by the relatively low cost, in real terms, of electricity for consumers due to subsidies from the Argentine Government.

In 2019, the Social Solidarity and Productive Reactivation Law was enacted, which, among other measures, established a freeze on energy and natural gas rates and the re-launch of a comprehensive rate review for a term of 180 days and empowered the Power Executive to administratively intervene in the ENRE and the ENARGAS. Likewise, Resolution (SE) 31/2020 was issued, which modified the remuneration scheme of the energy generation segment and established prices denominated in Pesos (previously denominated in Dollars) and reduced said prices in different proportions depending on the technology. For further information, please see “Item 4. The Argentine Energy Sector—Electricity Regulatory Framework”.

Additionally, in response to the Covid-19 outbreak, the Argentine Government issued DNU No. 311/2020, which established that, among other companies, the providers of public services of electricity, network gas and running water, may order the suspension or cut of the respective services to certain users, in case of delay or non-payment of a certain amount of consecutive or alternate invoices, including users with notice of cut in progress, whose measure was extended until December 31, 2020. We cannot be sure of the effects that measures adopted by the Argentine Government will have on the electricity demand.

We cannot guarantee that the measures to be adopted or other measures or regulations that may be adopted in the future by the Argentine Government in relation to tariffs could not have a significant adverse effect on our business, our operational results and our financial situation, or that a new public emergency law will not be sanctioned in the future. We cannot assure you that the regulatory obligations to which the Company is subject will not be further increased, including, but not limited to, higher taxes, unfavorable alterations in rate structures and other regulatory obligations, compliance with which could increase our costs and have a direct negative impact on the results of our operations and our financial condition.

The generation activity involves the handling of dangerous elements such as fuels that have an associated potential risk for premises and people

Although the Company complies with all standards and best practices related to environmental safety, an accident involving the materials with which the Company operates could have consequences of environmental impact, damage to industrial facilities, and damage to people, causing a damage to the Company due to the possible unavailability of the equipment and, consequently, could affect our financial condition and our operational results.

Risks Relating to our Oil and Gas Business

Oil and gas companies have been affected by certain measures taken by the Argentine Government and may be further affected by additional changes in their regulatory framework

Since December 2011, the Argentine Government has adopted from time to time a number of measures concerning the repatriation of funds obtained from oil and gas exportation and charges applicable to the production of liquid gas, which has affected the oil and gas business. Beginning in April 2012, the Argentine Government provided for the nationalization of YPF and imposed major changes to the system under which oil companies operate, principally through Law No. 26,741, Decree No. 1277/2012 and Law No. 27,007. Further changes in such regulations may increase the adverse effect of such measures on the business, revenues and our result of operations and financial condition.

Argentine oil and gas production concessions and exploration permits are subject to certain conditions and may not be renewed or could be revoked

The Hydrocarbons Law provides for oil and gas concessions to remain in effect for 25, 30 or 35 years, depending on the concession, as from the date of their award, and further provides for the concession term to be extended for periods of ten additional years, subject to terms and conditions approved by the grantor at the time of the extension. For more information, please see “Item 4. The Argentine Energy Sector—Oil & Gas Regulatory Framework”.

We cannot assure you that our concessions will be extended in the future as a result of the review by the relevant authorities of the investment plans submitted for such purposes, or that additional requirements to obtain such concessions or permits will not be imposed. With respect to the CENCH for the Sierra Chata block and the committed investment project, a consortium made up of the Company and Mobil Argentina S.A. has continued negotiations with the Province of Neuquén to settle a readjustment proposal for the current investment plan with the aim of reaching an agreement that allows for the continuity of activities in the CENCH. For more information, see Note 18.2 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.

Hydrocarbon activities (including exploitation, industrialization, transportation and commercialization) in the territory of Argentina are deemed of “national public interest.” We cannot assure you that any measures that may be adopted by the Argentine Government to secure Argentina’s self-sufficiency in oil and gas supply will not have a material adverse effect on the Argentine economy and, as a consequence, adversely affect our financial condition, our operational results and the market value of our shares and ADSs.

Oil and gas reserves in Argentina are likely to decline

The possibility of replacing our crude oil and gas reserves in the future is dependent on our ability to access new reserves, both through successful exploration and reserve acquisitions. We consider exploration, which carries inherent risks and uncertainties, to be our main vehicle for future growth and reserves replacement. The exploration can only be carried out if the economic and operational prospects are feasible, such as pricing, demand, terms and conditions of sale, environmental impact, among other important factors. Without successful exploration activities or reserves acquisitions, our proved reserves would decline as our oil and gas production would be forced to rely on our current portfolio of assets.

We cannot guarantee that our exploration, development and acquisition activities will allow us to offset the decline of our reserves. If we are not able to successfully find, develop or acquire sufficient additional reserves, our reserves and therefore our production may continue to decline and, consequently, this may adversely affect our future operational results and financial condition.

Substantial or extended declines and volatility in the prices of crude oil, oil products and natural gas may have an adverse effect on our operational results and financial condition

A significant amount of our revenue is derived from crude oil, oil products and natural gas sales. Factors affecting international prices for crude oil and related oil products include: political developments in crude oil producing regions, particularly the Middle East; the ability of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries and other crude oil-producing nations to set and maintain crude oil production levels and prices; global and regional supply and demand for crude oil, gas and related products; competition from other energy sources; domestic and foreign government regulations; weather conditions; storage capacity and global and local conflicts or acts of terrorism. We have no control over these factors. Although crude oil prices had maintained an increasing trend in recent years, at the beginning of 2020 the conflict between Saudi Arabia and Russia, which was magnified with the effects of the global crisis caused by Covid-19, resulted in a collapse of crude oil prices. For more information, please see “The emergence and spread of a pandemic-level disease or threat to public health, such as Covid-19, may have a material adverse impact on the Argentine and global economy, our business operations, financial condition or results of operation” and “Item 4—Relevant Events— Measures Designed by the Argentine Government to Address the Covid-19 Outbreak” and “Impact of the Covid-19 outbreak on our Operations”. Recently, due to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine (See “The conflict between Russia and Ukraine could adversely affect the global economy, the Argentine economy and our operational results and financial condition”), and the fact that Russia is the second largest oil exporter in the world and the largest producer of natural gas, world oil prices jumped over US$110 per barrel, and the cost of natural gas reached a new record high in Europe.

As a result, we cannot assure that substantial or extended declines in international prices of crude oil and related oil products will not have a material adverse effect on our business, operational results and financial condition and the value of our proven reserves. In addition, significant decreases in the prices of crude oil and related oil products may require the incurrence of impairment charges in the future or cause us to reduce or alter the timing of our capital expenditures, and this could adversely affect our production forecasts in the medium-term and our reserves estimates in the future.

Export duties and import regulations on our products negatively affected the profitability of our operations

On August 22, 2018 the Argentine Government issued a new Natural Gas Exportation Procedure regulating the process to obtain the authorizations needed to export natural gas. Afterwards, on September 4, 2018, the Argentine Government published Decree No. 793/2018 which imposed an exportation duty on several goods including natural gas until December 31, 2020. The exports duty consists of a Ps. 4 tax on every US$1.00 worth of exports, with a maximum tax rate of 12% on the value of exports. Thereafter, the Social Solidarity and Productive Reactivation Law modified the prior exportation duties for hydrocarbons that are commercialized in the external market. Additionally, since the effective date of the Decree No. 488/20 (Barril Criollo), exports of oil, natural gas and liquefied gas have been exempt from export duties as long as the price of Brent published by the SE at the close of each month was equal to or lower than US$45/bbl. However, the export duty rate was subject to a gradual increase up to 8% as the reference price rose, which rate was to be applied if the price was equal to or higher than US$60/bbl. On April 27, 2021, through the Resolution No. 360/2021, the SE created a new natural gas exportation procedure regulating the procedure for obtaining natural gas export authorizations. The new procedure contemplates preferential basis for the successful bidders of Plan Gas.Ar. For more information, please see “Item 4. The Argentine Energy Sector—Oil & Gas Regulatory Framework”.

We cannot affirm that the Argentine Government will not create new export and import regulations or amend the ones currently in place. We cannot predict the impact that any such changes may have on our operational results and financial condition.

Oil and gas prices and sale conditions could affect our level of capital expenditures

The prices that we are able to obtain for our hydrocarbon products affect the viability of investments in new exploration and development activities, and as a result, the timing and amount of our projected capital expenditures for such purposes. We budget capital expenditures by considering, among others, the market prices for our hydrocarbon products. In the event that current domestic prices decrease, the ability to improve our hydrocarbon recovery rates, identify new reserves and carry out certain other capital expenditure plans is likely to be affected, which, in turn, could have an adverse effect on our operational results.

In the context of the coronavirus pandemic crisis, Russia broke the agreement it had with Saudi Arabia in a dispute over oil production and, in response, Saudi Arabia lowered the price of oil to less than US$30 per barrel, levels that have not been seen for 16 years. Moreover, the United States oil prices traded below zero for the first time ever, and producers and traders were essentially paying other market participants to take their oil. For more information, please see “—The emergence and spread of a pandemic-level disease or threat to public health, such as Covid-19, may have a material adverse impact on the Argentine and global economy, our business operations, financial condition or results of operation” and “Item 4—Relevant Events— Measures Designed by the Argentine Government to Address the Covid-19 Outbreak” and “Impact of the Covid-19 outbreak on our Operations”. Recently, due to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine (See: The conflict between Russia and Ukraine could adversely affect the global economy, the Argentine economy and our operational results and financial condition), and the fact that Russia is the second largest oil exporter in the world and the largest producer of natural gas, world oil prices jumped over US$110 per barrel, and the cost of natural gas reached a new record high in Europe.

Limits on exports and imports of hydrocarbons and related oil products have affected and may continue to affect our operational results

In recent periods, the Argentine Government has introduced a series of measures limiting exports and imports of hydrocarbons and related oil products, which have prevented oil and gas companies from benefiting from the prices of these commodities in the international markets, and materially affected the competitiveness and operational results of those companies. Currently, since the effective date of Plan Gas.Ar, the awarded bidders will be entitled to preferential rights to export on a firm basis up to a total volume of 11,000,000 m3 per day solely during the non-winter season, which can be exercised both to export natural gas through pipelines and to liquefy the gas locally and then export it as LNG. Firm permits can be obtained for 4 MM m3/d in the Neuquén basin and for 2 MM/d m3 in the Austral basin (with priorities being set according to the position held in the price competition under Plan Gas.Ar). For more information, please see “Item 4. The Argentine Energy Sector—Oil & Gas Regulatory Framework”.

The Argentine Government measures in connection with export-import restrictions may significantly and adversely affect our profitability and prevent us from capturing, in the event that international prices so reflect it, the upside of export prices, and may negatively affect the total volume of refined products sold in the domestic market due to the need to regulate processed crude oil volumes in accordance with our storage capacity, adversely affecting our financial condition and operational results.

We may not be the operating partner in all of the joint arrangements (joint operations for accounting purposes) in which we participate, and actions undertaken by the operators in such joint arrangements could have a material adverse effect on the success of these operations

We generally undertake our activities in exploration and exploitation of hydrocarbons in a particular area by entering into an agreement with third parties to participate in joint arrangements (joint operations for accounting purposes). Under the terms and conditions of these agreements, one of the parties takes the role of operator of the joint operation, and thus assumes responsibility for executing all activities undertaken pursuant to the joint operation agreement. However, we may not assume the role of operator and therefore, in such cases, we are exposed to risks relating to the performance of and the measures taken by the operator to carry out the activities. Such actions could have a material adverse effect on the success of these joint operations, and thus adversely affect our financial condition and operational results.

We conduct most of the operations through joint arrangements (joint operations for accounting purposes), and our failure to resolve any material disagreements with our partners or to continue such joint arrangements could have a material adverse effect on the success of such operations

We conduct most of our oil and gas operations through joint operations and as a result, the continuation of such joint operations is vital to their success. In the event that any of our partners were to decide to terminate the relationship in respect of a joint operation or sell their interest in a joint operation, we may not be able to replace that partner or obtain the necessary financing to purchase that partner’s interest. Accordingly, our failure to resolve disagreements with our partners or to maintain our joint operations could adversely affect our ability to conduct the underlying operations of such joint operations, which, in turn, could negatively affect our financial condition and operational results.

Our failure to comply with our commitments to make certain investments could negatively affect our operational results

We have commitments to make certain investments, such as, among others, under investment agreements. Failure to comply with such commitments in a timely manner could result in a breach of the relevant partnership agreement, foreclosure of any guarantees and/or the loss of all rights over the underlying area which could have an adverse effect on our operational results. For more information, please see “Item 4. The Argentine Energy Sector—Oil & Gas Regulatory Framework” and “Our Oil and Gas Business”.

In addition, several external factors may affect or delay our committed investments. Recently, and as a consequence of the forced measures carried out in the province of Neuquén that prevent the normal operation in the fields of the area, there were delays in the operation and drilling of wells by the main natural gas producers of Vaca Muerta and the province, which could imply a delay to complying with such commitments in a timely manner, which could materially adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

Oil and gas activities are subject to significant economic, environmental and operational risks

Oil and gas exploration and production activities are subject to particular economic and industry-specific operational risks, some of which are beyond our control, such as production, equipment and transportation risks, as well as natural hazards and other uncertainties, including those relating to the physical characteristics of onshore and offshore oil or natural gas fields. Our operations may be curtailed, delayed or cancelled due to bad weather conditions, mechanical difficulties, shortages or delays in the delivery of equipment, compliance with governmental requirements, fire, explosions, blow-outs, pipe failure, abnormally pressured formations and environmental hazards, such as oil spills, gas leaks, ruptures or discharges of toxic gases. If these risks materialize, we may suffer substantial operational losses or disruptions in our operations. Drilling may be unprofitable, not only with respect to dry wells, but also with respect to wells that are productive but do not produce sufficient net revenues to return a profit after drilling, operating and other costs are considered.

The Argentine Government could alter and delay payments to natural gas producers under key government programs

In recent years, we participated in the Gas Plan I and the Gas Plan II (described below). Companies that participate in the Gas Plan I and the Gas Plan II agree to a Base Volume to be sold at a fixed Base Price and receive between US$4.00 and US$7.50 per million BTU (depending on the production level, the “Surplus Price”) for any amount of natural gas produced in excess of the Base Volume (the “Surplus Injection”). The Argentine Government agrees to compensate participating companies, on a monthly basis, for: (i) any difference between the Surplus Price and the price actually received for the sale of the Surplus Injection and (ii) any difference between the Base Price and the price actually received for the sale of the Base Volume. The Gas Plan I and the Gas Plan II of Pampa finished on December 31, 2017 and June 31, 2018 respectively. On November 16, 2020, through the Decree No. 892/20, the Argentine Government created the Plan Gas.Ar with the purpose of promoting the production of Argentine natural gas. The SE instrumented a tender between producers as sellers, and CAMMESA, natural gas distributors and IEASA as purchasers, for a total base volume of 70 million m3/day. The maximum base price was set at US$3.7/MBTU. A 0.82 factor will adjust the award price for the non-winter period, 1.25 for the winter period, and 1.30 for the additional volume during winter. For more information, please see “Item 4. The Argentine Energy Sector—Oil & Gas Regulatory Framework”.

We face the risk of the Argentine Government suspending or further delaying remaining payments due under Resolution No. 97/18, which would negatively affect our financial condition and operational results.

Unless we replace our oil and gas reserves, such reserves and production will deplete over time

Production from oil and gas fields declines as reserves are depleted, with the rate of decline depending on reservoir characteristics. Accordingly, the amount of proved reserves declines as these reserves are produced. The level of our future oil and natural gas reserves and production, and therefore our cash flows and income, are highly dependent on our success in efficiently developing current reserves, entering into new investment agreements and economically finding or acquiring additional recoverable reserves. While we have had success in identifying and developing commercially exploitable deposits and drilling locations in the past, we may be unable to replicate that success in the future. We may not identify any more commercially exploitable deposits or successfully drill, complete or produce more oil or gas reserves, and the wells that we have drilled and currently plan to drill may not result in the discovery or production of any further oil or natural gas. If we are unable to replace our current and future production, the value of reserves will decrease, and our operational results could be negatively affected, as well as our financial condition and operational results.

Our estimated oil and gas reserves are based on assumptions that may prove inaccurate

We estimate our oil and gas reserves at least once a year. Our oil and gas reserves estimation as of December 31, 2021 was audited by Gaffney, Cline & Associates, as the Independent Reserves Engineers Firm, based on in its year-end Reserves Report. Although classified as “proved reserves,” the reserves estimates set forth in the Reserves Report are based on certain assumptions that may prove inaccurate. The Independent Reserves Engineers Firm’s primary economic assumptions in estimates included oil and gas sales prices determined according to the guidelines described in the Reserves Report, future expenditures and other economic assumptions (including interests, royalties and taxes) provided by us.

The estimation process is initiated with an initial review of the assets by geophysicists, geologists and engineers. A reserves coordinator protects the integrity and impartiality of the reserves estimates through supervision and technical support to technical teams responsible for the preparation of the reserves estimates. Our reserves estimates are approved by the Executive Director of Oil and Gas. Reserves engineering is a subjective process of estimating underground accumulations involving a certain degree of uncertainty. Reserves estimates depend on the quality of the available engineering and geological data as of the estimation date and on the interpretation and judgment thereof.

Oil and gas reserves engineering is a subjective process of estimating accumulations of oil and gas that cannot be measured in an exact way, and estimates of other engineers may differ materially from those set out in this annual report. Numerous assumptions and uncertainties are inherent in estimating quantities of proved oil and gas reserves, including projecting future rates of production, timing and amounts of development expenditures and prices of oil and gas, many of which are beyond our control. Results of drilling, testing and production after the date of the estimate may require revisions to be made. The estimate of our oil and gas reserves would be impacted if, for example, we were unable to sell the oil and natural gas we produced. Accordingly, reserves estimates are often materially different from the quantities of oil and gas that are ultimately recovered, and if such recovered quantities are substantially lower than the initial reserves estimate, this could have a material adverse impact on our operational results. For more information, please see “Item 4.—Our Oil and Gas Business—Reserves”.

We face significant competition in the acquisition of exploratory acreage and oil and natural gas reserves

The Argentine oil and gas industry is extremely competitive. When we bid for exploration or exploitation rights with respect to a hydrocarbon block, we face significant competition not only from private companies, but also from national or provincial public companies. In fact, the provinces of La Pampa, Neuquén and Chubut have formed companies to carry out oil and gas activities on behalf of their respective provincial governments. The state-owned energy companies IEASA, YPF and other provincial companies (such as G&P and Empresa de Desarrollo Hidrocarburífero Provincial S.A.) are also highly competitive in the Argentine oil and gas market. As a result, we cannot assure you that we will be able to acquire new exploratory acreage or oil and gas reserves in the future, which could negatively affect our financial condition and operational results. There can be no assurance that the participation of IEASA or YPF (or any province-owned company) in the bidding processes for new oil and gas concessions will not influence market forces in such a manner that could have an adverse effect on our financial condition and operational results.

We may incur significant costs and liabilities related to environmental, health and safety matters

Our operations, like those of other companies in the Argentine oil and gas industry, are subject to a wide range of environmental, health and safety laws and regulations. These laws and regulations have a substantial impact on our operations and could result in material adverse effects on our financial position and operational results.

Environmental, health and safety regulation and case law in Argentina is developing at a rapid pace and no assurance can be provided that such developments will not increase our cost of doing business and complying with applicable regulations. In addition, due to concern over the risk of climate change, a number of countries have adopted, or are considering the adoption of, new regulatory requirements to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, such as carbon taxes, increased efficiency standards, or the adoption of cap and trade regimes. If adopted in Argentina, these requirements could make our products more expensive as well as shift hydrocarbon demand toward relatively lower-carbon sources such as renewable energies.

Limitations on local pricing in Argentina may adversely affect our operational results

In recent years, due to regulatory, economic and government policy factors, domestic crude oil, gasoline, diesel and other fuel prices have differed substantially from the prices for such products prevailing on the international and regional markets, and the ability to increase or maintain prices to adjust to international price or domestic cost variations has been limited. International crude oil and related oil product prices have declined significantly from the second half of 2014 through December 2017. For example, in 2020, Decree No. 488/2020 (Barril Criollo) set forth that the barrel price of any crude oil deliveries made in the domestic market up to December 31, 2020 had to be invoiced by producers and paid by refiners and traders, using the price of US$45/bbl as a reference for Medanito crude oil. August 28, 2020 was the tenth consecutive day when Brent average price exceeded US$45/bbl, and as a result the decree ceased to be effective on that date. For more information, please see “Item 4. The Argentine Energy Sector—Oil & Gas Regulatory Framework”.

Regarding natural gas, revenues we obtain as a result of selling natural gas in Argentina are subject to government regulations and could be negatively affected, particularly considering the evolution of gas prices for residential consumers, which in turn are still subject to subsidies, and the evolution of sale price to electric generation plants. This situation, in addition to CAMMESA’s bidding processes, which promoted strong competition in the demand of power generation plants, had a sensitive effect on the demand for the remaining segments, generating a lower quantity of firm commitments and/or contracts for shorter terms. We cannot assure that in the future new regulations on local oil prices will not be applied.

We cannot assure you that we will be able to maintain or increase the domestic prices of our products, and limitations on our ability to do so could adversely affect our financial condition and operational results. Similarly, we cannot affirm that hydrocarbon prices in Argentina will track increases or decreases in hydrocarbon prices in the international or regional markets. Discrepancies between domestic and international prices may adversely affect our financial condition and operational results.

The Company is exposed to contractions in the crude oil and natural gas demand and to contractions in the demand for any of their by-products

Crude oil and natural gas demand are highly influenced by economic activity and growth locally and globally. While demand increased in the past, it had a recent significant contraction (as a result of Covid-19) and is subject to future volatility. Crude oil by-products demand may also contract under certain conditions, particularly during economic downturns. According to the latest OPEC estimates, global demand for crude oil is expected to increase by 4.2 million barrels per day during 2022.

A further contraction in demand or the maintenance of current demand levels for long periods of time could negatively affect our results of operations.

Risks Relating to our Shares and ADSs

Restrictions on the movement of capitals out of Argentina may impair the ability of holders of ADSs to receive dividends and distributions, and the proceeds of any sale of, the shares underlying the ADSs, which could affect the market value of the ADSs

The Argentine Government has reestablished restrictions on the conversion of Argentine currency into foreign currencies and on the remittance to foreign investors of proceeds from their investments in Argentina. Conversion of dividends, distributions, or the proceeds from any sale of shares from Pesos into U.S. Dollars, as well as the transfer of those funds abroad is strongly limited (See “Item 10. Additional Information—Exchange Controls”). Future restrictions on the movement of capital to and from Argentina such as those that previously existed could, if reinstated, impair or prevent the conversion of dividends, distributions, or the proceeds from any sale of shares, as the case may be, from Pesos into U.S. Dollars and the remittance of such U.S. Dollars abroad. Also, certain of our indebtedness includes covenants limiting the payment of dividends. We cannot assure you that the Argentine Government will not take similar measures in the future. In such a case, the depositary for the ADSs may hold the Pesos it cannot otherwise convert for the account of the ADS holders who have not been paid. In addition, any future adoption by the Argentine Government of restrictions on the movement of capital out of Argentina may affect the ability of our foreign shareholders and holders of ADSs to obtain the full value of their shares and ADSs and may adversely affect the market value of our shares and ADSs.

ADS holders’ ability to receive cash dividends may be limited

Our shareholders’ ability to receive cash dividends may be limited by the ability of the depositary to convert cash dividends paid in Pesos into U.S. Dollars. Under the terms of our deposit agreement with the depositary for the ADSs, the depositary will convert any cash dividend or other cash distribution we pay on the common shares underlying the ADSs into U.S. Dollars, if it can do so on a reasonable basis and can transfer the U.S. Dollars to the United States. If this conversion is not possible or if any government approval is needed and cannot be obtained, the deposit agreement allows the depositary to distribute the foreign currency only to those ADS holders to whom it is possible to do so. If the exchange rate fluctuates significantly during a time when the depositary cannot convert the foreign currency, shareholders may lose some or all of the value of the dividend distribution.

Under Argentine law, shareholder rights may be fewer or less well-defined than in other jurisdictions

Our corporate affairs are governed by our bylaws and by BCL, which differ from the legal principles that would apply if we were incorporated in a jurisdiction in the United States, such as the States of Delaware or New York, or in other jurisdictions outside Argentina. In addition, the rights of holders of the ADSs or the rights of holders of our common shares under BCL to protect their interests relative to actions by our board of directors may be fewer and less well-defined than those under the laws of those other jurisdictions. Although insider trading and price manipulation are illegal under Argentine law, the Argentine securities markets are not as highly regulated or supervised as the U.S. securities markets or markets in some other jurisdictions. In addition, rules and policies against self-dealing and regarding the preservation of shareholder interests may be less well-defined and enforced in Argentina than in the United States, putting holders of our common shares and ADSs at a potential disadvantage.

Holders of ADSs may be unable to exercise voting rights with respect to the common shares underlying the ADSs at our shareholders’ meetings

Shares underlying the ADSs are held by the depositary in the name of the holder of the ADS. As such, we will not treat holders of ADSs as one of our shareholders and, therefore, holders of ADSs will not have shareholder rights. The depositary will be the holder of the shares underlying the ADSs and holders may exercise voting rights with respect to the shares represented by the ADSs only in accordance with the deposit agreement relating to the ADSs. There are no provisions under Argentine law or under our bylaws that limit the exercise by ADS holders of their voting rights through the depositary with respect to the underlying shares. However, there are practical limitations on the ability of ADS holders to exercise their voting rights due to the additional procedural steps involved in communicating with these holders. For example, holders of our shares will receive notice of shareholders’ meetings through publication of a notice in the Official Gazette, an Argentine newspaper of general circulation and the daily bulletin of the BASE, and will be able to exercise their voting rights by either attending the meeting in person or voting by proxy. ADS holders, by comparison, do not receive notice directly from us. Instead, in accordance with the deposit agreement, we provide the notice to the depositary. If we ask it to do so, the depositary will mail to holders of ADSs the notice of the meeting and a statement as to the manner in which instructions may be given by holders. To exercise their voting rights, ADS holders must then instruct the depositary as to voting the shares represented by their ADSs. Due to these procedural steps involving the depositary, the process for exercising voting rights may take longer for ADS holders than for holders of shares and shares represented by ADSs may not be voted as the holders of ADSs desire. Shares represented by ADSs for which the depositary fails to receive timely voting instructions may, if requested by us, be voted at the corresponding meeting either in favor of the proposal of the board of directors or, in the absence of such a proposal, in accordance with the majority.

Our shareholders may be subject to liability for certain votes of their securities

Because we are a limited liability corporation, our shareholders are not liable for our obligations. Shareholders are generally liable only for the payment of the shares they subscribe. However, shareholders who have a conflict of interest with us and who do not abstain from voting at the respective shareholders’ meeting may be liable for damages to us, but only if the transaction would not have been approved without such shareholders’ votes. Furthermore, shareholders who willfully or negligently vote in favor of a resolution that is subsequently declared void by a court as contrary to the law or our bylaws may be held jointly and severally liable for damages to us or to other third parties, including other shareholders.

Provisions of our bylaws and of Argentine securities laws could deter takeover attempts and have an adverse impact on the price of our shares and the ADSs

Our bylaws and Argentine securities laws contain provisions that may discourage, delay or impair a change of control of our Company, such as the requirement, upon the acquisition of a controlling interest in our capital stock, to launch a mandatory tender offer to acquire all our voting stock and any securities convertible into, or entitling the holder thereof to subscribe for or acquire, any voting shares in our capital stock. These provisions may delay, defer or prevent a transaction or a change of control that might otherwise be in the best interest of our shareholders and may adversely affect the market value of our shares and ADSs. In addition, the provisions of our bylaws and of Argentine securities laws with respect to the obligation to launch a mandatory tender offer differ in certain respects; as of the date of filing of this annual report, it is unclear whether the provisions of our bylaws, which might be more beneficial to minority shareholders under certain circumstances than the provisions of Argentine securities laws in effect as of the date hereof, would prevail over the provisions of Argentine securities laws.

There can be no assurance that we will not be a passive foreign investment company, or PFIC, for U.S. federal income tax purposes for any taxable year, which could subject U.S. holders of our shares or ADSs to adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences.

A non-U.S. corporation will be a PFIC, if, in any particular year, either (i) 75% or more of its gross income for such year consists of certain types of “passive” income or (ii) 50% or more of the value of its assets (generally determined on the basis of a quarterly average) is attributable to assets that produce or are held for the production of passive income (the “asset test”). Because the PFIC tests must be applied each year, and the composition of our income and assets and the value of our assets may change, it is possible that we may be a PFIC in the current or a future year. In particular, because the value of our assets may be determined for purposes of these tests by reference to the market price of our common shares or ADSs, fluctuations in the market price of our common shares or ADSs may cause us to become a PFIC.

If we are a PFIC in any taxable year, a U.S. Holder (as defined in “Taxation—United States Federal Income Tax Considerations”) may incur significantly increased U.S. federal income tax on gain recognized on the sale or other disposition of our common shares or ADSs and on the receipt of distributions on our common shares or ADSs to the extent such gain or distribution is treated as an “excess distribution” under the relevant U.S. federal income tax rules, and such U.S. Holder may be subject to burdensome reporting requirements. Further, if we are a PFIC for any year during which a U.S. Holder holds our common shares or ADSs, we will generally continue to be treated as a PFIC for all subsequent years during which such U.S. Holder holds our common shares or ADSs, unless we cease to be a PFIC and the U.S. Holder makes a special “purging” election on IRS Form 8621.

See “Item 10. Additional Information—Taxation—United States Federal Income Tax Considerations—Passive Foreign Investment Company Rules” for more details.

HISTORY AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE COMPANY

Pampa is incorporated as a sociedad anónima under the laws of Argentina. Our principal executive offices are located at Maipú 1, City of Buenos Aires, Argentina (C1084ABA). Our telephone number is + 54 11 4344 6000. Our website address is www.pampaenergia.com. None of the information available on our website or elsewhere is included or incorporated by reference into this annual report. Our authorized representative in the United States for our registration statement with the SEC is Puglisi Associates, located at 850 Library Avenue, Suite 204, Newark, Delaware 19711.

We were incorporated on February 21, 1945, for a duration of 99 years, until June 30, 2044, under the name Frigorífico La Pampa S.A. In 2003, we suspended our former business activities, which were limited to the ownership and operation of a cold storage warehouse building. In 2005, the Company was acquired by its current principal shareholders to serve as a corporate vehicle for its investments in Argentina. Following such acquisition, we changed our corporate name to Pampa Holding S.A. We changed our corporate name again, to Pampa Energía S.A, in September 2008 and have operated under this name since then. As a result of several acquisitions made since 2006, we are currently the largest independent energy integrated company in Argentina and, directly and/or through our subsidiaries and joint controlled companies, we participate in the electricity and gas value chains.

In July 2016, we acquired from Petrobras all of the shares of Petrobras Participaciones S.L, which in turn owned, at such time, 67.2% of the shares of Petrobras Argentina (the “Acquisition”). On August 4, 2016, (i) 100% of the rights and obligations under the concession agreement relating to the Colpa and Caranda areas in Bolivia were sold to Petrobras; (ii) 33.66% of the rights and obligations in the Río Neuquén area was sold to an affiliate of Petrobras; and (iii) 33.33% and 80% of the rights and obligations in the Río Neuquén and the Aguada de la Arena areas, respectively, were sold to YPF.

Since the Acquisition, we started a corporate reorganization process and have merged certain subsidiaries into Pampa, including, among others, Petrobras Argentina, Petrolera Pampa, CTG and CTLL, by way of absorption, with Pampa as the surviving company. In 2020, the Board of Directors approved the following mergers through absorption between the Company, as absorbing company, and the following companies, as absorbed companies: (i) CPB (merged January 1, 2020); (ii) Pampa Cogeneración and PHA (merged April 1, 2020); and (iii) PP, Transelec, Pampa FPK, Pampa Holding, Pampa Ventures and Pampa QRP (merged October 1, 2020). The respective Shareholders’ Meetings approved the mergers and the CNV granted its administrative consent to the mergers, which were registered with the IGJ.

The SEC maintains an internet site (http://www.sec.gov) that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC.

Capital Expenditures and Divestitures

For a description of our capital expenditures see “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Liquidity and Capital Resources.”

For a description of our strategic divestments, see “Item 4. Information on the Company— Our Business—Relevant Events— Strategic Divestments.”

OUR BUSINESS

Overview

We are the largest independent energy integrated company in Argentina, participating in the electricity and the gas value chains. As of December 31, 2021, we, our subsidiaries, joint businesses and our affiliates are engaged in the generation and transmission of electricity, oil and gas exploration and production, petrochemicals, hydrocarbon commercialization and transportation, and oil refining and distribution (for more information, please see Note 5.2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements):

Note: 1 It includes 280 MW at CTEB and 81 MW at PEPE III. 2 It includes PEMC. 3 2021 average production of blocks in Argentina. 4 Source: The Company.

As of December 31, 2021, we are engaged in the generation business through:

Our generation business segment recorded US$656 million in revenue and an operating income of US$350 million for the year ended December 31, 2021.

Our oil and gas business segment recorded US$453 million in revenue and an operating profit of US$130 million for the year ended December 31, 2021.

Our petrochemicals business segment recorded US$490 million in revenue and an operating profit of US$45 million for the year ended December 31, 2021.

Our holding and other business segment recorded US$22 million in revenue and an operating profit of US$54 million for the year ended December 31, 2021.

Relevant Events

Corporate Reorganization Process

The following corporate reorganizations are part of the strategy the Company has been implementing since 2017 to attain a simpler and more agile, innovative and flexible organization, allowing it to obtain important benefits, a higher operating efficiency, an optimized use of available resources, the streamlining of technical, administrative and financial structures, and the implementation of converging policies, strategies and goals. They also allow the Company to leverage the complementarity among the participating companies, thus reducing costs resulting from the duplication and overlapping of operating and administrative structures. In 2020, the Board of Directors approved the following mergers through absorption between the Company, as absorbing company, and the following companies, as absorbed companies:

Generation

PEPE III expansion

In the fourth quarter of 2021, the Company announced PEPE III’s expansion project, which will increase the existing gross capacity from 53.2 MW to 134.2 MW, with an estimated investment of US$128 million. Its output will be sold in the MAT ER through a US$-denominated PPA with private parties, and it is estimated to be commissioned in stages, fully commissioned in the second quarter of 2023.

PEPE III is located in Coronel Rosales, 45 km from the City of Bahía Blanca, Province of Buenos Aires. Currently, it comprises 14 Vestas wind turbines and during 2021 its load factor reached 58%, highlighting the outstanding wind quality in the area. The expansion project consists of the assembly and installation of 18 wind turbines of the same brand.

Once the work is completed, our wind farms will contribute to the national grid a total of 287.4 MW of renewable energy. This expansion, in addition to the closing to CCGT at CTEB and the investments committed under Plan Gas.Ar, are part of the Company’s strategy to focus its investments in our core businesses: power generation and natural gas production.

Updates to the remuneration scheme for capacity not covered by contracts

SE Resolution No. 31/20, which modified certain aspects of the remuneration scheme set by SRRYME Resolution No. 1/19, was in effect until January 2021. The entire remuneration scheme was converted to the local currency at an exchange rate of Ps. 60/US$, and an update factor was established from the second month of its application, with a formula consisting of 60% CPI and 40% IPIM. Moreover, it modified power capacity payments and incorporated an additional monthly remuneration in the HMRT. However, the update factor was not implemented.

Furthermore, SE Resolution No. 440/21, issued on May 21, 2021, increased the remuneration scheme established by SE Resolution No. 31/20 by an average of 29%, retroactive as of February 2021. This resolution also canceled the update factor.

On April 21, 2022, the remuneration scheme was modified by SE Resolution No. 238/22 that established a 30% increase in remuneration retroactive to February 2022 and a new 10% increase to be applied as from June 2022. It also eliminates the use factor used to calculate generators remuneration and the temporary energy export’s remuneration. For more information, please see “Item 4. The Argentine Energy Sector—Electricity Regulatory Framework”. 

Transitional pricing adjustment for legacy energy

To guarantee the supply of CAMMESA’s electricity exports and procure power plants’ availability and maintenance, SE Resolution No. 1037/21, issued on November 2, 2021, established an additional and transitional recognition for legacy power plants (except for binational hydros) to be remunerated from September 2021 to February 2022.

On November 9, 2021, the SE, through Note NO-2021-108163338-APN-SE#ME, instructed CAMMESA to assume that covered thermal power plants have a use factor of 70%, for which 100% of the power remuneration, would be settled and an additional amount equivalent to Ps. 1,000/MWh of exported energy will be paid in proportion to the energy generated by each generator in such month. This remuneration was repealed by SE Resolution No. 238/22 as from February 2022.

Maturity of PPA at CTP and CTLL’s steam turbine

After fulfilling the 10-year PPA under SE Resolution No. 220/07, CTP (30 MW) and CTLL’s CC steam turbine (180 MW) started to be remunerated under the spot energy scheme (SE Resolution No. 440/21) from July 15 and November 1, 2021, respectively.

Commissioning of MAN engines at CTLL

On August 3, 2021, CAMMESA granted the commissioning of LDLMDI01 unit for a capacity of 15 MW. The unit consists of two gas-fired MAN engines, priced under spot energy through SE Resolution No. 440/21.

Technical problem at CTGEBA

On May 31, 2021, a technical problem occurred at a gas turbine, part of CTGEBA’s new CC. Consequently, the CC’s generation capacity was reduced by approximately 50%. Jointly with the turbine manufacturer, Siemens and the Company performed the necessary work to dismantle and repair the failure; these operations were successfully completed in July 2021.

Moreover, the Company is making all required filings before the insurance companies to collect the damages compensation resulting from the failure and minimize losses related to the breach of availability commitments.

Assignment of fuel supply agreements for thermal power generators

Under Plan Gas.Ar, SE Resolution No. 354/20 defined the priority usage of natural gas firm volumes from different sources (gas from Bolivia, contracts with Plan Gas.Ar producers, etc.) to be acquired by CAMMESA from 2021. On this basis, CAMMESA’s unified dispatch and a dispatch priority order were set depending on the assigned natural gas.

Generators under Energía Plus and PPA with CAMMESA under SEE Resolution NO. 287/17 have the option to accede to the unified dispatch, with CAMMESA supplying natural gas to cover their obligations. To such effect, they should maintain the necessary natural gas transportation capacity and waive their claims under SE Resolution No. 354/20. The Company executed contracts with CAMMESA acceding to this unified dispatch and assigned the operation of the executed gas and firm transportation contracts.

Hydroelectric concessions termination

On March 10, 2022, the SE issued Resolution No. 130/22 that created a “work team” to analyze the situation of the hydroelectric concessions that are due to terminate in the next years, including HIDISA, HINISA and HPPL. The work team must present in a one-year period the respective reports regarding the concessions that terminate in 2023 (Alicurá, El Chochón, Arroyito, Planicie Banderita and Piedra del Águila), and within a two-years for the rest (including HIDISA and HINISA), except for HPPL and F. Ameghino whose terms ends on 2029 and 2044, respectively.

Oil and Gas

Gas Plan

Plan Gas.Ar

According to Decree No. 892/20, on November 16, 2020, Plan Gas.Ar program was created to promote Argentine natural gas production, reduce and replace LNG and liquid fuels imports, provide supply chain predictability, and manage the impact of the cost of gas on the tariff of the priority demand. The on-shore production term is four years, with an additional four years for offshore production, as from January 2021.

On December 15 and 29, 2020, the SE awarded 67.4 million m3/day of natural gas (55% destined for power plants) at an average annual base price of US$3.5/MBTU and an additional volume of 3.6 million m3/day during the winter period at US$4.7/MBTU. Pampa was awarded a base volume of 4.9 million m3/day at US$3.6 per million BTU and an additional 1.0 million m3/day volume during the winter period at US$4.7 per million BTU.

In the second round (SE Resolution No. 129/21 issued on February 22, 2021), a total of 3.3 million m3/day at an average of US$4.7/MBTU was awarded for the winter period (May – September) 2021 – 2024, with deliveries from June 2021. The Company participated in this round and was awarded 0.8 million m3/day at an average of US$4.7/MBTU.

Moreover, in the third round (SE Resolution No. 984/21 issued on October 19, 2021), a total of 3 million m3/day was awarded at US$3.43/MBTU for the May 2022 – December 2024 period under a gas supply agreement on the same conditions of the first round awarded in December 2020. The Company participated and was awarded 2 million m3/day at US$3.347/MBTU.

It is worth highlighting that in April 2021, some protest roadblocks in the Province of Neuquén slightly affected the 2021 winter production commitments. Consequently, the Company, with other affected producers, sent the respective force majeure communications to the SE, CAMMESA, and gas distributors with whom it had supply agreements in place under Plan Gas.Ar. On August 11, 2021, the SE notified the Company of the upholding of the force majeure ground. Notwithstanding the above-mentioned, the Company managed to reach the committed gas production.

All-time-high gas production record at El Mangrullo

On December 9, 2021, we reached a record production of 6.7 million m³/day in this block, representing a 48% increase compared to 2020 average volumes and more than three times 2016’s average annual production.

El Mangrullo block is the fourth largest producer in the Neuquina Basin, with an almost 200 km² surface and access to tight (Mulichinco and Agrio) and shale (Vaca Muerta) formations. Pampa operates and holds 100% of the exploration and exploitation concession until 2053.

Natural gas for power generation

Since 2021, most gas supplies to CAMMESA are being channeled through Plan Gas.Ar, for the volumes committed under this program over a term of 4 years. Generators covered by Energía Plus and SEE Resolution No. 287/17 contracts have the option to assign the natural gas operation and transportation to CAMMESA. The Company acceded to this scheme.

It is worth mentioning that since 2021 new reference PIST prices were set for production outside Plan Gas.Ar (SE Res. No. 354/20), at US$2.3/MBTU in the summer (October – April) and US$3.5/MBTU in the winter period (May – September) for the Neuquina Basin.

Therefore, in addition to Plan Gas.Ar, in 2021 CAMMESA continued calling for tenders monthly, at the maximum prices stated above, on an interruptible basis for Plan Gas.Ar’s awardees and under a 30% DoP clause for the rest. However, from September 2021, these calls were declared unawarded.

Moreover, from mid-July 2021, CAMMESA launched, on average, fortnightly calls for Plan Gas.Ar’s awardees that can offer surplus volumes on an interruptible basis, with a maximum price equivalent to that awarded in the first round. In 2021, an average of 25.2 million m³/day was awarded at US$3.4/MBTU (US$4.4/MBTU until September and US$2.9/MBTU onwards). After the end of 2021, an average of 22.1 million m³/day was awarded at US$2.9/MBTU.

Natural gas for gas distribution companies and CNG

In 2021, the Company was granted awards under Plan Gas.Ar, agreeing to supply fixed amounts to gas distributors and IEASA over a term of 4 years. Gas distributors must pay the amount stated in the current tariff scheme, and the difference with the awarded price is compensated by the Federal Government. IEASA pays 100% of the price awarded under Plan Gas.Ar.

Regarding CNG, Plan Gas.Ar does not guarantee its provision following the abrogation of MEyM Resolution No. 80/17. However, in the 2021 winter period, the SE instructed IEASA to supply, through gas distributors, CNG stations that have not managed to execute an agreement with a producer/seller (Note NO-2021-37656867-APN-SE#MEC). CNG is currently traded privately, with no government price regulation.

Gas export

On April 27, 2021, a new procedure to authorize natural gas exports was implemented (SE Resolution No. 360/21). New permissions contemplate exports on a firm and preferential basis for Plan Gas.Ar’s awardees and set a minimum sales price equivalent to the off-peak price awarded in round 1. It should be clarified that natural gas is subject to an export duty rate that, as of the date hereof, amounts to 8%.

In May and December 2021, the Company was cleared to export gas to Chile on a firm basis for a maximum volume of 1.5 million m³/day and 1.22 million m³/day for the October 2021 – April 2022 and January – April 2022 periods, respectively.

In the summer season, the Company exports to its clients in Chile on a spot basis. In November 2020, the Company was granted permits to export gas to Chile on an interruptible basis, expiring between April 2021 and January 2022. Moreover, between September and December 2021, new interruptible permits to Chile, Brazil, and Uruguay were granted, with expirations between November 2022 and December 2024. For more information, please see “Item 4. The Argentine Energy Sector—Oil & Gas Regulatory Framework Regulation Specifically Applicable to the Gas Market—Natural Gas Export”.

Strategic Divestments

Sale of Controlling Stake in Edenor

On December 28, 2020, Pampa entered into a binding stock purchase agreement with Empresa de Energía del Cono Sur S.A. (“Cono Sur”), as purchaser, and Integra Capital S.A., Messrs. Daniel Eduardo Vila, Mauricio Filiberti and José Luis Manzano, for the sale of Pampa’s controlling interest in Edenor. The agreement consisted of a transfer of Pampa’s total Class A shares, which represent 51% of the capital stock and voting rights of Edenor, pursuant to certain conditions precedent, including but not limited to the approval by Pampa’s shareholders’ meeting and the ENRE (the “Transaction”). The Transaction did not include the transfer of Pampa’s current Class B shares of Edenor. The Transaction was approved at Pampa’s Ordinary and Extraordinary General Shareholders’ Meeting held on February 17, 2021. The ENRE approval was obtained on June 24, 2021, through Resolution No. 207/21. Finally, the closing of the Transaction was on June 30, 2021. As of March 2022, the Company’s indirect equity stake amounts to 4.2% of Edenor’s issued capital stock.

The agreed purchase price consisted of (i) 21,876,856 Class B shares of Edenor, representing 2.41% of the capital stock and voting rights of Edenor; (ii) US$95 million; and (iii) a contingent payment in case of change of control of Cono Sur or Edenor during the first year after the closing of the Transaction or as long as the balance of the price is pending settlement for 50% of the profits generated.

The purchase price would be paid in three installments: (i) 21,876,856 Class B shares of Edenor and US$5 million, which was collected on the execution date of the agreement; (ii) US$50 million, was paid on the closing date; and (iii) US$40 million one year after the closing date, except in cases of offsetting or prepayment in advance. Such balance of the price will accrue a nominal annual fixed interest rate of 10% as from the closing of the Transaction, payable quarterly.

Within the previously described framework and pursuant to IFRS, and considering that the Transaction involved loss of control over the subsidiary, all Edenor’s assets and liabilities were classified as held for sale as of December 31, 2020 and had been measured at the lower of its fair value, net of costs associated with the sale, if applicable, and its book value, which involved the recognition of an impairment loss for US$589 million. It is included together with the results corresponding to the Distribution of Energy segment under “Discontinued operations” of the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019.

The sale of our stake in Edenor is part of our strategic investment plan to focus on our core businesses, i.e. continuing the expansion of our power generation installed capacity and developing unconventional natural gas reserves, and in particular making the necessary investments in order to achieve excess production committed under the Plan Gas.Ar and the closing of the CTEB CC.

Measures Designed by the Argentine Government to Address the Covid-19 Outbreak

In late December 2019, a notice of a pneumonia originating from Wuhan, Hubei province (Covid-19, caused by a novel coronavirus) was reported to the World Health Organization, with cases soon confirmed in multiple provinces in China, as well as in other countries. Since December 2019, the virus has spread globally and, as of the date of this annual report, affected almost every country around the world, including Argentina. Argentina adopted several measures in response to the Covid-19 outbreak in the country aimed at preventing massive infections of Argentine residents and the congestion of the Argentine health service, which include, mainly: (i) imposition of a nation-wide mandatory lockdown, where exceptionally essential transit was permitted (“Aislamiento, Social, Preventivo y Obligatorio”) (“ASPO”), which was later superseded by a “Distanciamiento Social, Preventivo y Obligatorio”, extended on several occasions, for all people who reside or transit in urban areas and in the Argentine provinces that do not have sustained community transmission of the virus and satisfy the corresponding epidemiological and sanitary parameters; (ii) closure of activities with large crowds; (iii) prohibition of audience attendance at sporting events; (iv) stricter surveillance of Argentine borders; (v) in-person classes at schools and universities shut down; (vi) closure of Argentine borders; (vii) recognition of Covid-19 as an occupational disease; (viii) increasing the budget allocation for supporting health systems; and (ix) a vaccination campaign; among others.

Simultaneously, the Argentine Government implemented several stimulus measures to limit the effects of the Covid-19 outbreak on the economy, including the following: (1) extraordinary cash payments to recipients of the universal child allowance, retirees receiving minimum benefits and health workers; (2) a cash payment to unemployed individuals and individuals employed informally, among other socially vulnerable individuals (IFE); (3) an increase in the budget allocation for critical areas; (4) extension of suspension of the following services upon certain beneficiaries who fail to pay less than six consecutive invoices: electric energy, natural gas through pipeline, water and sewage, landline and mobile telephony, internet and cable television services; (5) the suspension of certain penalties and disqualifications applicable to checking accounts with insufficient funds; (6) prohibition against dismissing employees without cause and against dismissing or suspending employees due to work slowdowns or force majeure for certain periods that were extended from time to time; (7) double compensation for those people who are dismissed without just cause (with some exceptions); (8) measures to protect production, work, and supply; (9) family support allowance for the deceased by coronavirus, applicable to the most vulnerable sectors; (10) several fiscal measures; (11) suspension of the automatic adjustment mechanism for the spot remuneration set by Resolution No. 31/20; and (12) the Argentine Government’s imposition of an extraordinary, obligatory contribution which falls on the assets of certain individuals and undivided estates in existence at the date of entry into force of Law No. 27,605 (December 18, 2020), among others.

On October 1, 2021, the Argentine Government issued the Decree No. 678/2021, which provided for several additional preventive measures in order to open certain restrictions imposed to limit the effects of the Covid-19 outbreak, such as: (i) authorize activities with large crowds in open places; (ii) authorize 100% capacity in economic, industrial, commercial, religious, cultural and sports activities that are carried out in closed places; (iii) authorize massive events with a capacity of 50% to the extent that the complete vaccination schedule is available, among others. These measures were in force until December 31, 2021.

Moreover, on December 24, 2021, the Argentine Government, through Decree 867/2021, extended the health emergency established by Decree 260/2020 for one more year (which was previously extended by Decree No. 678/2021). On December 31, 2021, new health measures were announced, including changes in the requirements to enter the country, both for foreigners and residents. In addition, as of January 1, 2022, the National Health Pass is in force, which accredits a complete vaccination scheme against Covid-19.

For more information regarding the measures currently adopted by the Argentine Government to Address the Covid-19 outbreak, you should visit the Ministry Health’s website: https://www.argentina.gob.ar/salud.The information contained on this websites is not part of and shall not be deemed incorporated into, this annual report.

Impact of the Covid-19 outbreak on our Operations

As aforementioned, the Argentine Government and several governments have adopted drastic measures in response to the Covid-19 outbreak, which have affected the Argentine power industry, mainly in the second and third quarters of 2020, as described below:

·      With respect to the generation segment, it is worth highlighting that SE Resolution No. 440/21 provided for a 29% increase in spot remuneration values, after a suspension of remuneration increases since March 2020.

·      As for the oil and gas segment, the application by the Federal Government of the Plan Gas.Ar and the recovery in international prices allowed for a strong recovery in hydrocarbons production and wellhead prices. However, in the second quarter of 2021, some social conflicts and wage protest demonstrations affected access and transportation to the Province of Neuquén’s routes in the month of April 2021. Although the protest roadblocks did not significantly affect the Company’s asset production in this basin, they temporarily impacted the ordinary execution of the investment plan necessary to reach the committed gas production under the Plan Gas.Ar. The Company sent the respective force majeure communications to the SE, CAMMESA and the Gas Distributors with which it had executed gas supply agreements for the volumes awarded under this plan. On August 11, 2021, the SE notified the Company that it would uphold the force majeure ground. It is worth highlighting that the Company managed to reach the committed gas production.

·      With regards to the petrochemical segment, the Covid-19 pandemic affected the recoverability of inventories of several raw materials and stock for sale. This led the Company to record a provision for impairment of inventories for US$2 million and US$11 million as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

The Argentine economy was in midst of a recession process, which was deepened by the described Covid-19 pandemic, with an accumulated 9.9% year-on-year fall in the GDP in 2020, and a 9.7% recovery in 2021, in line with the recovery in production and economic activity levels; a 36.1% and 50.9% cumulative inflation (CPI) for fiscal years 2020 and 2021, respectively, and a 40.5% and a 22.1% depreciation of the Peso against the U.S. dollar for 2020 and 2021, respectively, according to the Banco Nación’s exchange rate. Furthermore, stricter exchange restrictions were imposed, which affect the value of the foreign currency in existing alternative markets for certain exchange transactions that are restricted in the official market.

Additionally, the measures implemented by the Federal Government to contain the spread of Covid-19 have impacted our results of operations mainly by affecting the recoverable value of property, plant and equipment, intangible assets and inventories (see detail in Notes 1.2 and 11.1 to our Consolidated Financial Statements).

The Company’s management is continuously monitoring the evolution of variables that affect the Company’s business to define a course of action and identify potential impacts on our financial condition and results of our operations.

Measures Designed by the Company to Address the Covid-19 Outbreak

During 2021, not only were the originally set objectives met, but new challenges and goals were promoted to drive the Company towards high standards of quality, reliability and sustainability. In this sense, health and safety measures were promoted to raise our employees’ awareness of compatible symptoms and compliance with prevention protocols and plans for handling possible infections, allowing the Company to sustain and ensure the continuity of its operations. In accordance with this, we performed the following strategic planning:

It is worth highlighting that none of our activities were affected by in-company outbreaks. We have performed preventive maintenance works in our plants, making progress with the expansions in the power generation business and reinforcing our commitment to Plan Gas.Ar in our oil and gas business.

Organizational structure

The following chart sets forth our corporate structure as of December 31, 2021. For more information please see“Exhibit 8.1 – List of subsidiaries, Joint Ventures and Associates of Pampa Energía S.A.”and, for those companies that as of December 31^st, 2021 were in process of merger, please see “Item 4. Information on the Company – Relevant Events – Corporate Reorganization Process”.

Our Generation Business

Our power generation assets include: CTG, CTP, CTPP, CTLL, CTIW, CPB, CTGEBA, HPPL, EcoEnergía, PEPE II, PEPE III and interests in HINISA, HIDISA, Greenwind and CTB.

The following chart depicts our generation assets and our respective shares of the Argentine power generation market as of and for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019. Our generation operations derive revenues from the sale of electricity in the spot market and under term contracts, including Energía Plus contracts and WEM Supply Agreements.

Sources: Pampa Energía S.A. and CAMMESA.

Note: gross margin before amortization and depreciation. All figures have been subject to rounding, so figures shown as totals may not add up.

Sources: Pampa Energía S.A. and CAMMESA.

Note: gross margin before amortization and depreciation. All figures have been subject to rounding, so figures shown as totals may not add up.⁽¹⁾ Operated by Pampa, which holds an interest of 50% in CTB.

Summary of the committed expansion projects

.⁽¹⁾ Operated by Pampa, which holds an interest of 50% in CTB.

Thermal Generation plants

CTLL

CTLL is located in the Province of Neuquén, which has an installed capacity of approximately 780 MW, representing approximately 1.8% of Argentina’s installed capacity. The plant was built in 1994 and consists of three gas turbines with an installed capacity of 375 MW, a 180 MW Siemens steam turbine installed in 2011 for its closing to CC and repowered in January 2018, a 105 MW General Electric aeroderivative gas turbine installed in May 2016, the incorporation in August 2017 of a 105 MW General Electric gas turbine and 15 MW from MAN gas engines in August 2021. CTLL has a privileged location due to its proximity to one of the largest gas fields in Latin America, also named Loma de la Lata. From 1997 to 2021, CTLL’s average annual generation was 2,197 GWh, with a generation record high of 5,096 GWh in 2019, and a record low of 272 GWh in 2002.

CTGEBA

CTGEBA is located in Marcos Paz, Province of Buenos Aires. The plant began operating in 1999 and has two CC, one with a 684 MW installed capacity, which consists of two gas turbines of 223 MW each and a 239 MW steam turbine, repowered in October 2020. The second CC consists of a gas turbine of 182 MW, known as Genelba Plus, which was commissioned in 2009 under the Energy Plus Program and repowered in June 2019, as well as a 188 MW gas turbine incorporated in 2019 under the expansion to CC process and steam turbine of 199 MW which was incorporated on July 2, 2020. CTGEBA’s CC is sold in the spot market, whereas Genelba Plus’ gas turbine energy is sold under Energía Plus, and the new gas turbine incorporated in 2019 is sold in the spot market until the commissioning of the CC, when it will start to be sold under a PPA. Currently, the total installed capacity of the CTGEBA complex amounts to 1,253 MW, which represents 2.9% of Argentina’s installed capacity. From 2000 to 2021, CTGEBA’s historical average annual generation was 5,080 GWh, with a generation record high of 8,594 GWh in 2021, and a record low of 3,438 GWh in 2001.

CPB

CPB is a thermal generation plant (which we own through our subsidiary Piedra Buena) located in Ingeniero White, Bahía Blanca, Province of Buenos Aires, approximately 600 kilometers away from the City of Buenos Aires.

CPB is an open-cycle thermal generation plant with an installed capacity of 620 MW, consisting of two identical conventional units (Unit 29 and Unit 30) with an installed capacity of 310 MW each, which represents 1.4% of Argentina’s installed capacity. CPB can be powered either by natural gas or by oil No.6 (though it was originally designed and partially equipped to burn coal as well). The plant currently stores up to 60,000 m³ of fuel oil in two separate storage tanks and owns, operates and maintains a 22-kilometer natural gas pipeline that is connected to the main pipeline of TGS. CPB sells electricity to the spot market. From 1997 to 2021, CPB’s average annual generation was 1,920 GWh, with a generation record high of 3,434 GWh in 2011, and a record low of 189 GWh in 2002.

CTG

CTG is located in the northwestern region of Argentina, in the City of General Güemes, Province of Salta. Privatized in 1992, it has a total installed capacity of 361 MW, comprised of (i) 261 MW from steam generation units and (ii) 100 MW from a gas combustion turbine under the Energy Plus Program, which accounts for 0.8% of Argentina’s installed capacity. From 1993 to 2021, its average annual generation was 1,657 GWh, with a generation record high of 1,903 GWh in 1996, and a record low of 368 GWh in 2020.

Royalty assignment agreement

In June 2007, we entered into a royalty assignment agreement with the Province of Salta pursuant to which the Province agreed to assign natural gas to Central Térmica Güemes, which the Province is entitled to collect as in-kind royalties in respect of natural gas produced within the provincial territory. In consideration for such assignment, we committed to pay a 5% premium over the applicable average wellhead gas price. The term of the agreement is five years, starting from the date of the first delivery of natural gas, and is subject to an automatic renewal clause. The daily amount under the agreement may reach 500,000 m³ per day if the production of gas in the Province of Salta increases from the production level existing at the time of the agreement’s execution. As of the date of this annual report, we had not requested any deliveries under this agreement because it has been able to supply the new 100 MW of generation with gas purchased from several suppliers, including our own gas production.

CTP

CTP is located in the northwestern region of Argentina, in a location known as Piquirenda, District of Aguaray, Department of General San Martín, in the Province of Salta. Its construction started in early 2008 and was completed in 2010. CTP has a 30 MW thermal electricity generation plant including ten Jenbacher (model JGS 620) gas-powered motor-generators, which accounts for 0.1% of Argentina’s installed capacity. From 2011 to 2021, its average annual generation was 109 GWh, with a generation record high of 156 GWh in 2017, and a record low of 53 GWh in 2021.

ECOENERGÍA

EcoEnergía is a co-generation power plant located at TGS’ General Cerri complex in Bahía Blanca, in the Province of Buenos Aires. The plant, consisting of a steam turbine with a power capacity of 14 MW, was commissioned in 2011, which accounts for 0.03% of Argentina’s installed capacity. The plant sells electricity in the Energía Plus market. From 2012 to 2021, EcoEnergía’s average annual generation amounted to 92 GWh, with a generation record high of 108 GWh in 2018, and a record low of 72 GWh in 2020.

CTPP

CTPP is located in the Pilar Industrial Complex, in the district of Pilar, Province of Buenos Aires. Construction began in October 2016, and the plant was commissioned on August 29, 2017.

The plant, which was built under SEE Resolution No. 21/2016, has a total power capacity of 100 MW, which accounts for 0.2% of Argentina’s installed capacity. and is made up of six cutting-edge Wärtsilä engines with an approximate 43% performance rate. The annual average energy generation from 2018 to 2021 was 184 GWh. Natural gas is supplied through a gas pipeline owned by Transportadora de Gas del Norte S.A. and the energy is evacuated through an output field of a 132kv double-bar cable, together with all the necessary auxiliary equipment, in the Pilar Substation No. 158 owned by Edenor (“Pilar Substation”), located at the Pilar Industrial Complex. The power plant has storage tanks for fuel oil which may be used as alternative fuel.

CTIW

CTIW is located in Ingeniero White, Bahía Blanca, in the Province of Buenos Aires, and consists of six high-efficiency Wärtsilä engines, with a total power installed capacity of 100 MW, which accounts for 0.2% of Argentina’s installed capacity. CTIW is able to fire either natural gas or fuel oil. Engines are high-efficiency, with a 46% performance rate.

The power plant is interconnected to the 132 kV grid through a substation owned by Transba. Liquid fuel supply is made using CPB’s discharge and storage facilities, and natural gas is also supplied from this power plant's internal facilities. On December 22, 2017, CAMMESA granted the commercial operation of CTIW, pursuant to a PPA executed between CAMMESA and Pampa, as awardee pursuant to the call for new generation capacity under Resolution No. 21/2016 of the SEE. The annual average energy generation from 2018 to 2021 was 279 GWh.

CTEB

CTEB is located in the City of Ensenada, Province of Buenos Aires, owned by CTB, a company that we jointly co-control with YPF. The plant began its operations in 2012 and is composed of two open cycle gas turbines with a total installed capacity of 567 MW, which represents 1.3% of the installed capacity in Argentina. CTEB is currently under expansion to close the cycle, which will increase its installed capacity to 847 MW.

CTEB is a thermal plant with dual fuel, natural gas or gas oil. From 2013 to 2021, the average annual generation amounted to 1,287 GWh, with a high generation record of 2,093 GWh in 2016, and a low record of 255 GWh in 2020.

Pampa will be responsible for CTEB’s operating management until 2023 and YPF, through its subsidiary YPF Energía Eléctrica S.A., will supervise the necessary works for CTEB’s conversion into CC. YPF and Pampa will be in charge of CTEB’s operating management on an alternate basis, for periods of four years.

Hydroelectric Generation Plants

We hold interests in three hydroelectric generation plants Hidroeléctrica Los Nihuiles (through our subsidiary HINISA) and Hidroeléctrica Diamante (through our subsidiary HIDISA), and fully own HPPL.

HINISA

We own Class A and Class B shares representing 31.63% and 20.41%, respectively, of the voting capital stock of HINISA, a hydroelectric generation company with an installed capacity of 265 MW, which represents 0.6% of the installed capacity in Argentina, located in the Province of Mendoza.

HINISA operates under a provincial concession for the hydroelectric use of water from the Atuel River, located in the department of San Rafael in the Province of Mendoza (approximately 1,100 km southwest of Buenos Aires) and under a national concession for the generation, sale and bulk trading of electricity from the Los Nihuiles’ hydroelectric system (the “Nihuiles System”). The Nihuiles System consists of three dams and three hydroelectric power generation plants (Nihuil I, Nihuil II and Nihuil III), as well as a compensator dam, which is used to manage the system’s water flow for irrigation purposes. The Nihuiles System covers a total distance of approximately 40 km with the grid’s height ranging from 440 m to 480 m. In addition, HINISA owns 1.6% of the capital stock of TJSM and 1.4% of the capital stock of TMB. From 1990 to 2021, the average annual generation was 797 GWh, with the highest level of generation (1,250 GWh) recorded in 2006 and the lowest level (467 GWh) recorded in 2021.

The Province of Mendoza, through EMESA, currently owns Class D shares representing 10.20% of the capital stock of HINISA and Class C shares representing 37.76% of the capital stock of HINISA, and publicly announced in 2006 its intention to sell its Class C shares. Pursuant to HINISA’s public concession contracts, if the Province of Mendoza sells its Class C shares in HINISA, we would be required to sell our Class B shares of HINISA (representing 20% of HINISA’s capital stock) through a public offering promptly after the Province’s sale of its Class C shares. Assuming that the Province of Mendoza sells its 37.76% interest in HINISA, and consequently we are required to sell our Class B shares (representing 20,41% of the capital stock of HINISA), we would no longer own a controlling interest in HINISA and would not be permitted to purchase any additional shares (of any class) of HINISA. We have no control over the timing of the Province of Mendoza’s proposed sale or the price at which we would be required to sell our Class B shares of HINISA. As a result, such shares may be sold at a time and price per share that is adverse to our interests. As of the date of this annual report, the Province of Mendoza had expressed no intention to modify HINISA’s by-laws. See “Item 3. Key Information—Risk Factors—Risks Relating to our Generation Business—We may no longer own a controlling interest in HINISA, if the Province of Mendoza sells its participation in HINISA.”

HIDISA

We own, directly and indirectly, 61% of the voting capital stock of HIDISA, a hydroelectric generation company with an installed capacity of 388 MW, which represents 0.9% of the installed capacity in Argentina, located in the Province of Mendoza.

HIDISA operates under a provincial concession for the hydroelectric use of water from the Diamante River, located in the department of San Rafael in the Province of Mendoza, and under a national concession for the generation, sale and bulk trading of electricity from Diamante’s hydroelectric system (the “Diamante System”). The Diamante System consists of three dams and three hydroelectric power generation plants (Agua del Toro, Los Reyunos and El Tigre). The Diamante System covers a total distance of approximately 55 km with a height differential between 873 m and 1,338 m. HIDISA owns 0.9% of the capital stock of TJSM and 0.8% of the capital stock of TMB. From 1990 to 2021, the average annual generation has been 538 GWh, with the highest level of generation (943 GWh) recorded in 2006 and the lowest level (322 GWh) recorded in 2014.

Summary of HINISA and HIDISA concessions

HINISA’s and HIDISA’s main purpose is the generation, sale and bulk trading of electric power through the exploitation of hydroelectric systems pursuant to the terms and conditions of the following concessions: (i) Provincial concessions granted by the Argentine Government of the Province of Mendoza with similar terms and conditions (for HINISA and HIDISA) and at each company’s own risk for the hydroelectric exploitation of the Atuel River, in the case of HINISA, and the Diamante River, in the case of HIDISA. These concessions were granted pursuant to Provincial Law No. 6,088 dated December 21, 1993 and related provisions; and (ii) national concessions granted by the Argentine Government with similar terms and conditions (for HINISA and HIDISA) and at each company’s own risk for hydroelectric power generation through HINISA’s and HIDISA’s respective hydroelectric systems. These concessions were granted pursuant to Laws No. 15,336, No. 23,696 and No. 24,065 and related provisions.

Term. The term of the HINISA and HIDISA concession agreements is 30 years, starting from June 1, 1994 in the case of HINISA and October 19, 1994 in the case of HIDISA.

Royalty payments. Each of HINISA and HIDISA is required under the respective concessions to make the following monthly royalty payments: (i) royalties in favor of (1) the Province of Mendoza, of up to 12% in the case of HIDISA and up to 6% in the case of HINISA, and (2) the Province of La Pampa, up to 6% in the case of HINISA, in each case, of the amount resulting from the application of the corresponding bulk sale rate to the electricity sold, pursuant to the provisions of Section 43 of Law No. 15,336, as amended by Law No. 23,164. Pursuant to applicable regulations, in order to establish the basis for the calculation of such royalties, the monomic price (the price of electricity that includes both the price of energy and the capacity charge) of the electricity produced resulting from the following formula should be used: the sum of the value of power generated at the hour value fixed by the wholesale market plus the amount receivable for the power rendered to the spot market if such power were sold within a certain month, divided by the total power generated during the given month; (ii) royalties in favor of the Argentine Government of (1) up to 2.5% of the amount used as the basis for the royalties calculation in the case of HIDISA, and (2) up to 1.5%, estimated on the same basis in the case of HINISA; and (iii) royalties in favor of the Province of Mendoza of up to 2.5% of the amount used as the basis for the royalties calculation for both HINISA and HIDISA.

On February 2, 2017, SEE Resolution No. 19/2017 terminated the remuneration scheme of SEE Resolution 22/2016 as from the economic transactions for February 2017, which represented a new increase in HIDISA’s and HINISA's revenues mainly due to: (i) greater availability of power determined independently of the level of the dam, eliminating the risk of hydrology; and (ii) a higher price as a result of its dollarization, minimizing the risk associated with exchange rate fluctuations.

Moreover, on April 10, 2017, and as a result of the claims filed by the HINISA, the SEE recategorized Nihuil I, Nihuil II and Nihuil III hydroelectric plants as “small”, which had an impact in the base price applicable to such plants under SEE Resolution 19/2017 increasing from 3,000 US$/MW per month to 4,500 US$/MW per month.

As of February 2021, SE Resolution No. 440/21 increased the values defined in SE Res. No. 31/20 by 29%. It also repealed the automatic adjustment mechanism included in SE Resolution No. 31/20 (See “The Argentine Energy Sector—Electricity Regulatory Framework”).

Contingency fund. HINISA and HIDISA, along with the other Argentine hydroelectric generation companies, are obligated to make quarterly payments to a foundation that owns and manages a contingency fund created to cover up to 80% of the difference between the aggregate amount of potential costs relating to any repair of the hydroelectric systems at any of the hydroelectric generation companies’ plants, and US$5 million that are not covered by their respective insurance policies.

As a result of the economic crisis in Argentina in 2001 and 2002, the foundation’s administrative council decided that the contribution to the contingency fund in U.S. Dollars required under the concessions, the bidding terms and conditions and the relevant provisions of HINISA’s and HIDISA’s by-laws had to be converted into Pesos at an exchange rate of Ps.1.00 = US$1.00. The indexation clauses contained in such concessions were also replaced with the Coeficiente de Estabilización de Referencia (CER) (a benchmark stabilization coefficient). Upon the conversion from U.S. Dollars into Pesos, the Peso value of the contingency fund exceeded the required funding. As a result, HINISA and HIDISA, along with the other hydroelectric generation companies, have suspended payments to the contingency fund. However, we can make no assurance that HINISA and HIDISA will not be required to resume making payments to the contingency fund in the future.

From the effective date of the concessions until the suspension of payments, HINISA and HIDISA made contributions totaling US$1.3 million and US$1.9 million, respectively.

Fines and Penalties. HINISA and HIDISA are subject to potential penalties and fines under their respective concessions that are calculated on the basis of the aggregate gross amount invoiced for the 12-month period preceding the imposition of any such penalty. Such penalties and fines range from 0.1% to 1% (in cases of breach of the terms of the agreement or regulations applicable to power generation, dam safety, water management, environmental protection, and non-compliance of instructions from the Organismo Regulador de Seguridad de Presas (ORSEP), CAMMESA, any of the governing authorities or the ENRE); from 0.02% to 0.2% (in cases of delays or lack of payment of contributions to the contingency fund and insurance policies and for taking action without prior authorization of the respective governing authorities), from 0.01% to 0.1% (in cases of failure to submit any requested information or failure to file mandatory reports); from 0.03% to 0.3% (in cases of failure to keep routes and roads open to traffic and free from soil, air or water pollution, and delays in the fulfillment of mandatory work) and from 1% to 10% (in cases of any actions considered by the governing authorities as termination events under the concessions). In the event that the fines levied over a 12-month period exceed 20% of the gross amount invoiced for power sales, the granting authority would be entitled to terminate the relevant concession agreement.

Performance guarantees. As security for the performance of their obligations under the respective concessions, HINISA and HIDISA have each deposited the amount required for the benefit of the relevant granting authority under the respective concession. Absent any set off by the relevant granting authority in the event of a breach or any other event of non-compliance under the terms of the respective concession agreements, the guarantee amounts would be released to HINISA and HIDISA, respectively, upon the expiration or termination of the respective concession agreement.

Termination of concessions. HIDISA’s and HINISA’s concession agreements may be terminated for the following reasons (i) breach of material contractual and legal obligations, (ii) certain bankruptcy events in respect of HINISA or HIDISA (as applicable), including any liquidation or winding-up proceedings. In such case, the termination of the relevant concession shall be automatic; (iii) force majeure or certain actions by third parties that prevent the compliance by HINISA and HIDISA with their respective obligations under their respective concession agreements; or (iv) expiration of the respective terms of the concession agreements. In case of termination pursuant to item (i), HINISA or HIDISA, as applicable, shall remain in charge of their concessions during a transitional period established by the granting authority, not exceeding 12 months, and shall indemnify the Argentine Government and the Province of Mendoza for any damages caused (the granting authorities may also apply the performance guarantee amounts toward the payment of any damages). Within 90 days following the receipt of the relevant termination notice, a new company must be incorporated, which would be granted a similar concession and a public bidding process would be called for the purpose of selling the shares of such newly formed company. After deducting all fines, interest and withholdings for prospective claims, the balance would be distributed to HINISA or HIDISA, as applicable, as the only compensation for the transfer of the concessions.

In addition, Section 14(d) of Law No. 6,088 of the Province of Mendoza provides for the termination of the concessions for reasons of public interest or expropriation for public use.

After the termination of the concession agreements for any cause, any assets transferred to HINISA and HIDISA under the respective concession agreements shall be transferred back to the Province of Mendoza and the Argentine Government, as applicable.

HPPL

A 30-year concession fully-owned by Pampa, it was awarded for hydroelectric power generation at HPPL beginning in August 1999. The HPPL complex has three electricity generating units with an installed capacity of 285 MW, and is located in the Comahue region, Province of Neuquén. The dam is made up of loose materials with a waterproof concrete side. It has a total length of 1,045 m, a total height of 54 m at the deepest point of the foundation, and a crest at 480.2 m above sea level. From 2000 to 2021, HPPL’s average annual generation was 1,430 GWh, with a generation record high of 1,430 GWh in 2006, and a record low of 494 GWh in 2016.

Summary of HPPL concession

HPPL’s main corporate purpose is the generation, sale and bulk trading of electric power through the exploitation of hydroelectric systems pursuant to the following terms and conditions:

Term. The term of the HPPL concession agreements is 30 years, starting from August 30, 1999.

Royalty payments. Pursuant to our concession contract and applicable laws, as from August 2002 we paid 1% in hydroelectric royalties, with scheduled annual increases of 1% per year until royalties reached a cap of 12%, based upon the tariff rate applied to block sales of the electricity sold. In addition, we pay the Argentine Government a monthly fee for the use of the water source amounting to 0.5% of the same amount used for the calculation of hydroelectric royalties.

Contingency fund. HPPL, along with the other Argentine hydroelectric generation companies, are obligated to make quarterly payments to a foundation that owns and manages a contingency fund created to cover up to 80% of the difference between of the aggregate amount of potential costs relating to any repair of the hydroelectric systems at any of the hydroelectric generation companies’ plants and US$5 million that are not covered by their respective insurance policies.

Performance guarantees. As security for the performance of their obligations under the respective concessions, HPPL deposited Ps.2.0 million for the benefit of the relevant granting authority under the respective concession. Absent any set off by the relevant granting authority in the event of a breach or any other event of non-compliance under the terms of the respective concession agreement, the guarantee amounts would be released to HPPL upon the expiration or termination of the respective concession agreement.

Fines and Penalties. HPPL is subject to potential penalties and fines under the concessions that are calculated on the basis of the aggregate gross amount invoiced for the 12-month period preceding the imposition of any such penalty. Such penalties and fines range from 0.1% to 1% (in cases of breach of the terms of the agreement or regulations applicable to power generation, dam safety, water management, environmental protection, and non-compliance of instructions from the ORSEP, CAMMESA, any of the regulatory authorities or the ENRE); from 0.02% to 0.2% (in cases of delays or lack of payment of contributions to the contingency fund and insurance policies and for taking action without prior authorization of the respective regulatory authorities), from 0.01% to 0.1% (in cases of failure to submit any requested information or failure to file mandatory reports); from 0.03% to 0.3% (in cases of failure to keep routes and roads open to traffic and free from soil, air or water pollution, and delays in the fulfillment of mandatory work) and from 1% to 10% (in cases of any actions considered by the regulatory authorities as termination events under the concessions). In the event that the fines levied over a 12-month period exceed 20% of the gross amount invoiced for power sales, the granting authority would be entitled to terminate the relevant concession agreement.

Termination of concessions. HPPL’s concession agreements may be terminated for the following reasons (i) breach of material contractual and legal obligations, in which case, HPPL, shall remain in charge of the concessions during a transitional period established by the granting authority, not exceeding 12 months, and shall indemnify the Argentine Government for any damages caused (the granting authorities may also apply the performance guarantee amounts toward the payment of any damages). Within 90 days following the receipt of the relevant termination notice, a new company must be incorporated, which would be granted a similar concession and a public bidding process would be called for the purpose of selling the shares of such newly-formed company. After deducting all fines, interest and withholdings for prospective claims, the balance would be distributed to HPPL as the only compensation for the transfer of the concessions; (ii) certain bankruptcy events in respect of HPPL, including any liquidation or winding-up proceedings, in which case, the termination of the relevant concession shall be automatic; (iii) force majeure or certain actions by third parties that prevent the compliance by HPPL of its obligations under their concession agreement; or (iv) expiration of the term of the concession agreements.

Renewable Energy

PEMC

On April 18, 2016, we acquired 100% of Greenwind, for an amount of US$2.1 million. Greenwind is a company incorporated under the laws of Argentina whose purpose was to develop the PEMC. For such purpose, Greenwind has the legal right to use and obtain a profit from over 1,500 hectares of land where wind measurements have been taken for the last five years.

On October 7, 2016, through Resolution No. 213/2016, the ME&M announced the awardees of the RenovAr 1 Program Tender. On January 23, 2017, we were awarded a PPA to develop the PEMC project through Greenwind. Greenwind has entered into the respective supply and construction agreements for the construction and commissioning of wind farms in Bahia Blanca with affiliates of Vestas.

On March 10, 2017, we entered into an agreement with Valdatana Servicios y Gestiones S.L.U (the “Buyer”), an investment vehicle led by Castlelake L.P. (a private equity global investment company) for the sale of certain shares owned by us in Greenwind totaling US$11.2 million. In addition, the Buyer has acquired shares of Greenwind owned by Pampa Participaciones S.A.U. for US$45,9 thousand, which together with the sale of the shares owned by us account for 50% of the capital stock and rights of Greenwind. As a consequence, as of the date of this annual report, we jointly control Greenwind with Viento Solutions SL.

The PEMC is located at Corti, 12 miles from the City of Bahía Blanca, Province of Buenos Aires. The PEMC consists of 29 Vestas wind turbines, each with a 3.45 MW power capacity and an 87-meter hub height. The PEMC contributes 100 MW of renewable energy to the national Argentine grid, which represents 0.2% of the installed capacity in Argentina.

On June 8, 2018, CAMMESA granted the commercial commissioning of PEMC, which was obtained before the date originally stipulated in the PPA executed with CAMMESA under the RenovAr Program (for more information, please see “The Argentine Energy Sector – RenovAr Program”). From 2019 to 2021, its historical average annual generation was 386 GWh.

PEPE II

PEPE II is located in the area known as Corti, 20 kilometers away from the City of Bahía Blanca, in the Province of Buenos Aires, near PEMC. PEPE II consists of 14 wind turbines; each turbine is made up of four tower sections, a nacelle and three blades driving the turbine with a total diameter of 120 meters.

PEPE II was commissioned on May 10, 2019 under Res. No. 281-E/2017, which was passed by the former MEyM for the Renewable Energy Term Market (MAT ER) and sells its energy to large electricity consumption users through PPAs between private parties.

PEPE II has an installed capacity of 53 MW, which represents 0.1% of the installed capacity in Argentina. From 2020 to 2021, its historical average annual generation was 211 GWh.

PEPE III

PEPE III is located in the City of Coronel Rosales, 25 kilometers away from the City of Bahía Blanca. PEPE III consists of 14 wind turbines; each turbine is made up of four tower sections, a nacelle and three blades driving the turbine with a total diameter of 120 meters.

PEPE III was commissioned on May 10, 2019 under Res. No. 281-E/2017, which was passed by the former MEyM for the MAT ER and sells its energy to large electricity consumption users through PPAs executed between private parties. PEPE III has an installed capacity of 53 MW, which represents 0.1% of the installed capacity in Argentina. From 2020 to 2021, its historical average annual generation was 211 GWh.

In the fourth quarter of 2021, Pampa announced PEPE III’s expansion project, which will increase the existing gross capacity from 53.2 MW to 134.2 MW, with an estimated investment of US$128 million. Its output will be sold in the MAT ER through a US$-denominated PPA with private parties, and it is estimated to be commissioned in stages, with full commissioning in the second quarter of 2023.

Both PEPE II and PEPE III are assets fully owned by Pampa, and in August 2021, Pampa registered PEPE II and III wind farms under the IREC standard, issued by the International REC Standard Foundation, and became the first Argentine power generator to certify wind power. The IREC are internationally recognized certificates that companies employ to offset carbon emission mitigation targets and support renewable energy development. Pampa could issue about 500,000 certificates per year, representing approximately 10% of the total certificates issued in the country.

PEPE IV

The PEPE IV project was announced on May 23, 2018. This project was to be located at the Las Armas area, in the Municipality of Maipú, Province of Buenos Aires, with a gross power capacity of 53 MW. PEPE IV obtained the dispatch priority as established in Resolution ME&M No. 281-E/17 and committed to begin its commercial operations in June 2019.

However, as a result of events occurred during 2019, including the devaluation of the Peso and the increase in interest rates, which resulted in macroeconomic instability, the Company requested an extension of the term to initiate the commercial operations, in order to (i) evaluate the feasibility of the project under the new economic conditions and (ii) negotiate certain changes proposed by work contractors and equipment suppliers. In this context, and based on a thorough evaluation of the renewable projects in progress, on September 11, 2019 the SSERyEE instructed CAMMESA to temporarily suspend the claims for non-compliance, and demanded the Company to extend the validity of the US$12.5 million guarantee for a term of 180 days, which was extended several times. The Company, as owner of the PEPE IV project notified its decision to waive the timely granted dispatch priority and recovered the guarantee it had provided. As a result, CAMMESA notified that the already initiated enforcement of the guarantee was determined to be moot as it had no further claim against the Company; therefore, as of September 30, 2021, the amount of US$12.5 million recorded for to such effect was recovered and disclosed under the item “Other operating income” of the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income.

Our Oil and Gas Business

Exploration and Production

Our strategy is to develop profitable oil and gas reserves with social and environmental responsibility. In this segment, we are focused on three main objectives: (i) development and monetization of unconventional gas reserves; (ii) exploration for reserves replacement; and (iii) optimization of operations and existing infrastructure as leverage for new projects.

As is usual in the oil and gas exploration and production business, we participate in exploration and production activities in conjunction with joint operation partners. Contractual arrangements among participants in a joint operation are usually governed by an operating agreement, which provides those costs, entitlements to production and liabilities are to be shared according to each party’s interest in the joint operation. One party to the joint operation is usually appointed as operator and is responsible for conducting the operations under the overall supervision and control of an operating committee that consists of representatives of each party to the joint operations. While operating agreements generally provide for liabilities to be borne by the participants according to their respective interest, licenses issued by the relevant governmental authority generally provide that participants in joint operations are jointly and severally liable for their obligations to the relevant governmental authority pursuant to the applicable license. In addition to their interest in field production, contractual operators are generally paid their indirect administrative expenses on a monthly basis by their partners in proportion to their participation in the relevant field.

As of December 31, 2021:

During 2021, according to the ME&M, gas gross production in Argentina increased by 1% (4.7 billion cubic feet per day on average), whereas oil gross production increased 6% and stood at 513 thousand barrels per day (on average). In December 2021, according to the ME&M, our consolidated oil and gas production accounted for approximately 1% and 7% of total oil production and gas production in Argentina, respectively.

We are also engaged in the oil and gas business directly and through investments in OCP.

Key Information Relating to Oil and Gas

As of December 31, 2021, we had interests in 18 areas, joint operations (UTEs) and agreements in Argentina: 13 oil and gas production areas and 5 exploration blocks located within exploration areas or pending authorization for production. As of December 31, 2021, we were directly the contractual operator of eight of the 18 blocks in which we hold equity interest.

Acreage

As of December 31, 2021, our total production and exploration acreage, both gross and net, was as follows. The table includes the total production and exploration acreage by the Company, joint operations and associates.

(1) Includes all areas in which we produce commercial quantities of oil and gas or areas in the development stage.

(2) Includes all areas in which we are allowed to perform exploration activities but where commercial quantities of oil and gas are not produced, plus areas that are not in the development stage.
(3 Adjusted at our working interest ownership in the gross acreage.

(4) Does not include Borde del Limay, Los Vértices, Aguada Pavón and Río Limay Este areas, which are in the process of relinquishment.

(*) In Estación Fernández Oro and Anticlinal Campamento areas the acreage of the drainage radius of the drilled wells is considered.

Productive Wells

As of December 31, 2021, our total gross and net productive wells were as follows. The table includes the total gross and net productive wells by the Company, joint operations and associates.

Note: All figures have been subject to rounding, so figures shown as totals may not add up.

(1) Refers to the number of wells completed.

(2) Refers to fractional ownership working interest in gross productive wells.

(3) Includes Oil and Gas productive wells.

Drilling Activities

In 2021, we carried out investment plans aligned with our reserves replacement and production goals, as a means to achieve sustainable growth. A development well, for purposes of the following table, is one that justifies the installation of permanent equipment for the production of oil or gas. A well is deemed to be a dry well if it is determined to be incapable of commercial production. “Gross wells drilled” in the table below refers to the number of wells completed during each fiscal year, regardless of the spud date, and “net wells drilled” relates to our fractional ownership working interest in wells drilled. This table includes wells drilled by the Company, joint operations and associates (includes our discontinued operations). The following table sets forth the number of total wells we drilled in Argentina and the results for the relevant periods.

Note: All figures have been subject to rounding, so figures shown as totals may not add up.

In 2021, our activity was focused on complying with the production commitments within the Plan Gas.Ar. The core of the activity was concentrated in the Neuquén Basin, mainly in El Mangrullo, where 13 wells were drilled, and Río Neuquén, with 14 wells were drilled. In Sierra Chata, 4 development wells were drilled, together with a successful exploration shale gas well. On the oil side, 13 wells were drilled in El Tordillo and 21 wells were drilled in Gobernador Ayala.

Oil and Gas Production

We transport our oil and gas production through several methods depending on the infrastructure available and the cost efficiency of the transportation system in a given location. We use the oil pipeline system and oil tankers to transport oil to our customers. Oil is customarily sold through contracts whereby producers are responsible for transporting produced oil from the field to a port for shipping, with all costs and risks associated with transportation borne by the producer. Gas, however, is sold at the delivery point of the gas pipeline system near the field and, therefore, the customer bears all transportation costs and risks associated therewith. Oil and gas transportation in Argentina operate in an “open access” non-discriminatory environment under which producers have equal and open access to the transportation infrastructure. We maintain limited storage capacity at each oil site and at the terminals from which oil is shipped. In the past, such capacity has been sufficient to store oil without reducing production during temporary unavailability of the pipeline systems, for example, due to, maintenance requirements or temporary emergencies.

During 2021, our production was concentrated in three basins: Neuquén, San Jorge and Noroeste. In Argentina, we own 483,000 net acres, and in the Neuquén basin — the most important basin in the country in terms of oil and gas production —we own approximately 369,000 net acres (representing 76% of our total acres). Our most important fields in the Neuquén basin are El Mangrullo, Sierra Chata, Río Neuquén and Rincón del Mangrullo. As of December 31, 2021, we lifted hydrocarbons from 884 productive wells in Argentina.

For the year 2021, our average daily production was 4,699 barrels of crude oil and 283 million cubic feet of natural gas. Oil production increased by 6% and gas production increased 16% compared to 2020 average.

The following table sets forth our oil and gas production during 2021. Production figures represent our working interest in production (and are therefore net to the Company). In addition, the table includes our working interest in each field, operator and the expiration date of the concessions, in each case as of December 31, 2021.

Although some of these concessions may be extended at their expiration, the expiration dates set forth below do not include any extensions not granted as of the date of this annual report.