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Latin American Energy Dialogue, White Papers and Reports

2012

Oil

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Is Peru Making Inroads In Oil & Gas Development?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor Sep 2012

Is Peru Making Inroads In Oil & Gas Development?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor

Latin American Energy Dialogue, White Papers and Reports

One of the Humala administration's priorities when coming into office was to accelerate oil and gas development. Peru has seen both successes, such as a large gas find in the Amazon earlier this month, and conflict, including attempts this month by indigenous groups to stop production at nine oil wells operated by Maple Energy. How successful have the country's efforts to develop the oil and gas sector been? What policies, models or strategies should the government consider implementing? Is the administration likely to make inroads with local communities that stand in opposition to such projects and will new consultation laws …


Will Venezuela's Petro-Diplomacy Survive?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor Aug 2012

Will Venezuela's Petro-Diplomacy Survive?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor

Latin American Energy Dialogue, White Papers and Reports

Henrique Capriles, the Venezuelan opposition leader running for president against Hugo Chávez, said on Aug. 1 that he would scrap preferential oil deals with foreign allies including Argentina, Cuba and others, Reuters reported. Capriles said the country would save $6.7 billion annually under his plan, money that he would use for domestic social spending. Meanwhile, state-run oil company PDVSA reportedly will need to set aside between $4 billion and $7 billion annually for the next five years to make payments on its heavy debt burden, analysts have forecast. Has Venezuela's petro-diplomacy run the end of its course? Which countries would …


Central America/Caribbean Can Reduce Their Oil Dependency, Says Wb Report, World Bank Jul 2012

Central America/Caribbean Can Reduce Their Oil Dependency, Says Wb Report, World Bank

Latin American Energy Dialogue, White Papers and Reports

This is a press release that summarizes a July 2012 World Bank report on mitigating market vulnerability to oil prices in Central American and the Caribbean. It briefly discusses how renewable energy sources, energy efficiency, and improved regional integration can facilitate better management of unpredictable oil prices.


How Insecure Is The Colombian Oil Sector?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor Jul 2012

How Insecure Is The Colombian Oil Sector?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor

Latin American Energy Dialogue, White Papers and Reports

Colombian Energy Minister Mauricio Cárdenas said earlier this month that the FARC has stepped up attacks on oil and mining infrastructure in order to extort companies after changes to royalty distributions cut into the rebel group's finances. There have been more than 40 bombings in Colombia thus far this year, doubling the pace of recent years. What accounts for the rise in rebel attacks and where are they most prevalent? How serious of a threat are the attacks, extortion and kidnappings to Colombia's oil sector? What needs to be done to improve the security of the sector?


Perus Humala Graces Amazon Indigenous With Three-Day Goodwill Tour', Darrin Mortenson Jul 2012

Perus Humala Graces Amazon Indigenous With Three-Day Goodwill Tour', Darrin Mortenson

Latin American Energy Dialogue, White Papers and Reports

This article describes the Amazonian tour completed by Peruvian president Ollanta Humala in late July 2012, providing both a critique and affirmation of the present and past administrations' efforts at representing the interests of the indigenous communities living in the Amazon.


What Is The Outlook For Guyana's Oil Sector?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor Jul 2012

What Is The Outlook For Guyana's Oil Sector?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor

Latin American Energy Dialogue, White Papers and Reports

The U.S. Geological Survey estimates that the Guyana-Suriname Basin could contain more than 15 billion barrels of oil as well as gas reserves of 42 trillion cubic feet. Guyana has awarded concessions to several major international oil companies as it seeks to exploit that potential, but oil has not yet been struck. What is the outlook for Guyana's oil sector? Does the country have the right regulatory environment in place to attract investment? Will the country's longstanding border dispute with Venezuela or current political gridlock affect the sector's development?


Is There A Limit To China's Role In Latin American Energy?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor Jul 2012

Is There A Limit To China's Role In Latin American Energy?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor

Latin American Energy Dialogue, White Papers and Reports

China's Sky Solar signed a deal to build a $900 million solar energy park in Chile in June while Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao was on a four-country visit to the region. During the trip, Wen also signed energy and other agreements with Argentina, Uruguay and Brazil in addition to announcing that the China Development Bank would create a $10 billion credit line to support infrastructure projects in the region. How has China's involvement in Latin America's energy sector evolved? Will it expand beyond the countries and sectors where it has traditionally focused most of its energy investments? If so, where …


Chevron Faces Asset Seizure In Brazil Over $18 Billion Ecuador Judgment, Karen Hinton Jun 2012

Chevron Faces Asset Seizure In Brazil Over $18 Billion Ecuador Judgment, Karen Hinton

Latin American Energy Dialogue, White Papers and Reports

This article provides information about the second legal enforcement action filed by Ecuadorian indigenous communities to force Chevron to pay for the clean-up of an oil disaster that resulted in several health problems and environmental destruction. The communities are requesting the seizure over $18 billion in company assets. The article also discusses additional charges existing against Chevron. Also included are a copy of the complaint against Chevron (in Portuguese) and an unofficial translation in English.


What Does Repsol's Departure Mean For Cuba's Drilling Future?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor Jun 2012

What Does Repsol's Departure Mean For Cuba's Drilling Future?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor

Latin American Energy Dialogue, White Papers and Reports

Spanish oil company Repsol announced last month that it is withdrawing from Cuba after it failed to discover oil in an exploratory well. Repsol also came up dry when drilling in 2004 and now says that the risks no longer justify the expense for its blocks. Does Repsol's withdrawal have major implications for the future of drilling in Cuba? What are the next steps for the Caribbean nation's offshore projects?


Will Pdvsa Be Able To Meet Demand From Asia?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor May 2012

Will Pdvsa Be Able To Meet Demand From Asia?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor

Latin American Energy Dialogue, White Papers and Reports

Venezuelan efforts to diversity oil exports have gained steam in recent months, with new energy sector deals signed with Japan, South Korea and Vietnam and the launch of an $8.3 billion joint refinery project in southern China. Do the deals represent significant confidence in Asia for the Venezuelan government's ability to manage its energy sector? Will PDVSA be able to meet increased demand from Asia? Are the deals and the company's plan to diversify its exports a good strategy?


The World Is Investing In Renewable Energy, What About Venezuela?, Evelyn Pallotta May 2012

The World Is Investing In Renewable Energy, What About Venezuela?, Evelyn Pallotta

Latin American Energy Dialogue, White Papers and Reports

This article provides a brief summary of global renewable energy production as contrasted with Venezuela, who continues to rely on petroleum.


How Will Ypf's Nationalization Affect Argentina?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor Apr 2012

How Will Ypf's Nationalization Affect Argentina?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor

Latin American Energy Dialogue, White Papers and Reports

Argentine President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner on April 16 announced that the government was immediately taking control of the nation's largest oil producer, YPF, and sending legislation to Congress to seize Repsol's 51 percent stake in the company. Fernández's government has complained that YPF under-invested in Argentina and has sent too much oil, and profits, abroad. Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy blasted Argentina's action, saying it lacked justification and was a 'negative decision for everyone.' Was the government justified in taking over YPF? How will the takeover affect investment in all sectors of Argentina's economy? How will the move affect …


Can Argentina Block Energy Development In The Falklands?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor Apr 2012

Can Argentina Block Energy Development In The Falklands?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor

Latin American Energy Dialogue, White Papers and Reports

Last month, the Argentine government said it had begun legal proceedings against five British oil companies it has accused of carrying out ""illegal operations"" in waters near the disputed Falkland Islands. It also asked stock markets in New York and London to warn investors of its claim that the exploration companies are working illegally. Will investors be scared away by the threats? What is the oil potential for the disputed islands and how will Argentina's campaign affect their development?


What Does A State-Run Energy Company Need To Succeed?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor Apr 2012

What Does A State-Run Energy Company Need To Succeed?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor

Latin American Energy Dialogue, White Papers and Reports

Argentina last week announced it would seize the 51 percent of YPF owned by Repsol, arguing that the company had not invested enough in the country's energy sector development. Meanwhile, the top two contenders for the Mexican presidency have suggested that state-run Pemex should be opened up to private investment, following examples in Brazil and Colombia, to improve productivity. What does it take to make a state energy company succeed? What policies should governments seek to emulate and which should they avoid? Does history stand on the Argentine government's side in YPF's nationalization?


The World Invests In Renewable Energy, Evelyn Pallotta Apr 2012

The World Invests In Renewable Energy, Evelyn Pallotta

Latin American Energy Dialogue, White Papers and Reports

This article discusses the growth in investment in renewable energy in Latin America. It identifies Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, & Chile as the major investors in renewable energy. The article concludes by calling for a diversification of the Venezuelan energy matrix, in addition to investments in education, innovation, & entrepreneurship.


Will Oil Exploration In Uruguay Be Successful?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor Mar 2012

Will Oil Exploration In Uruguay Be Successful?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor

Latin American Energy Dialogue, White Papers and Reports

Four oil companies won bids to explore for oil off Uruguay's coast, state oil company Ancap announced March 30. They will invest a combined $1.56 billion over three years of exploration efforts, and Ancap will hold a minority stake in each of the concessions. How successful was Uruguay's oil auction? What do the results indicate about the possibility of future discoveries? What has the country done right to attract investment and where could it improve?


Does Insecurity Threaten Colombia's Booming Oil Sector?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor Mar 2012

Does Insecurity Threaten Colombia's Booming Oil Sector?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor

Latin American Energy Dialogue, White Papers and Reports

Colombia's ELN rebels kidnapped 11 oil workers last month and released them last week. However, as a result of the security situation, Emerald Energy, which is owned by China's Sinochem, announced that it has suspended operations in southern Colombia. It is the second time the company has suspended operations there, adding that some of the trucking firms it works with are refusing to provide services due to the risk. Is Colombia's security situation threatening to hold back its booming oil sector? Will security problems in Colombia's oilproducing areas get worse or better in the near term? What steps should the …


Will The Argentine Government Hinder Shale Investment?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor Feb 2012

Will The Argentine Government Hinder Shale Investment?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor

Latin American Energy Dialogue, White Papers and Reports

In recent weeks, the Argentine government has faced off with the country's largest energy company, Repsol's YPF, blaming the increase in fuel imports on a lack of investment from YPF and other producers. Despite a previously good relationship, the government has threatened to nationalize YPF and banned it from exporting until a tax was paid, while the company has blocked politicians from its board meeting. Meanwhile, on Feb. 24, Argentine provinces demanded that energy firms raise their oil and natural gas output by 15 percent in the next two years or risk losing their concessions. Does the Argentine government's contentious …


Brazil On Track To Manage Its Oil Bonanza Effectively?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor Jan 2012

Brazil On Track To Manage Its Oil Bonanza Effectively?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor

Latin American Energy Dialogue, White Papers and Reports

As Brazil ramps up exploration and production in the pre-salt oilfields, the country has expectations of joining the ranks of the world's top four or five oil producers. A relatively minor spill at Chevron's Frade field, however, brought to light issues of environmental concern as well as questions about how such incidents would be handled. Is the country prepared with the right regulations to handle the mushrooming industry? What does the government's response to the Chevron spill mean for the development of the sector? Could the threat of large fines deter investment? Is the growing oil sector putting a significant …


Are Bolivia's Plans For Its Oil Sector Overly Ambitious?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor Jan 2012

Are Bolivia's Plans For Its Oil Sector Overly Ambitious?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor

Latin American Energy Dialogue, White Papers and Reports

Bolivia's state-run energy company, YPFB, has said that it expects investment in the country's oil and gas sector to reach $2 billion in 2012, nearly doubling this year's record of $1.2 billion. While 64 percent will come from YPFB, the company expects the rest to come from the private sector. Is Bolivia's push to increase exploration, supply the domestic market and meet its contracts with Brazil and Argentina overly ambitious or does the state have the right plans in place? How important are hydrocarbons for the future of the Bolivian economy? What is the government doing right to promote private …


Will Petroperú Take On A Bigger Role In The Oil Sector?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor Jan 2012

Will Petroperú Take On A Bigger Role In The Oil Sector?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor

Latin American Energy Dialogue, White Papers and Reports

In recent months, Peruvian state-run oil company Petroperú has made moves to resume oil production and form new partnerships and announced plans to sell as much as 20 percent of its shares on the Lima stock exchange in April to raise capital. The company has said that it aims to emulate Colombia's Ecopetrol and Brazil's Petrobras as it expands to ""increase energy security"" in Peru. Will Petroperú be successful in its bid to take on a more prominent role in Peru? Are its recently announced alliances with PDVSA and Petrobras a good idea? What will Petroperú's increased role in the …


What Energy Sector Trends Should Leaders Be Watching?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor Jan 2012

What Energy Sector Trends Should Leaders Be Watching?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor

Latin American Energy Dialogue, White Papers and Reports

In 2011, Latin America witnessed protests over major hydro projects in Brazil and Chile, advances in Cuba's quest to drill for oil, continued successes in Colombia's hydrocarbons sector and considerable Chinese energy investments in Venezuela and Ecuador. What will make headlines in the region's energy sector in 2012? Which trends should policy and business leaders be watching? Do you predict any major energy sector surprises in the year ahead?