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Latin American Energy Dialogue, White Papers and Reports

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What Is The Future Of Trinidad And Tobago's Oil And Gas Sector?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor Aug 2011

What Is The Future Of Trinidad And Tobago's Oil And Gas Sector?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor

Latin American Energy Dialogue, White Papers and Reports

According to an audit by Ryder Scott released in August, Trinidad and Tobago's proven gas reserves have fallen for a fourth straight year. While officials have said that the country needs to boost exploration and open up new markets, lower prices and reduced demand from the United States pose additional challenges to attracting new investment, according to analysts. What is the medium- to long-term future of Trinidad and Tobago's oil and gas sector? How can it attract new investment and fund E&P activities in the current business environment? How might scarce supplies affect the country's manufacturing sector, which has been …


What Is The Outlook For Colombia's Oil Sector?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor Aug 2011

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

Latin American Energy Dialogue, White Papers and Reports

In the wake of Colombia's ratings upgrade to investment status earlier this year and strong second-quarter profits, Colombian state-run oil company Ecopetrol announced last month that it would sell $1.4 billion of stock to pay for investments aimed at doubling production. The company added that it would increase the number of shares more than seven-fold if demand exceeds expectations. Will the investment-grade rating lead to as strong demand for the shares as the company expects? What is the outlook for Ecopetrol and the Colombian oil sector in the short to medium term? What challenges does the Colombian oil industry face?


Can Latin America Capitalize On Oil Wealth In The Long Term?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor Jul 2011

Can Latin America Capitalize On Oil Wealth In The Long Term?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor

Latin American Energy Dialogue, White Papers and Reports

Venezuela holds some 85 percent of Latin America's crude oil reserves, and the region overall has the world's second-largest oil reserves after the Middle East, according to figures presented by the Latin American Energy Organization (OLADE) at a two-day seminar earlier this month in Quito. Looking ahead 20 years, what are the geopolitical implications of Latin America's vast hydrocarbon resources? What energy trends will shape the economies of Latin America and the Caribbean in the long term, and how can the countries of Latin America best capitalize on energy wealth in the global environment moving ahead? Can Latin America avoid …


How Is China Changing Latin America's Energy Sector?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor Jul 2011

How Is China Changing Latin America's Energy Sector?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor

Latin American Energy Dialogue, White Papers and Reports

China recently announced several loans worth billions of dollars to Ecuador and Venezuela—to be paid back largely in the form of oil—for public works, energy and infrastructure projects. These investments and others have made China the biggest credit source for the two governments, often on terms that other financial institutions would spurn, analysts have pointed out. Are China's big loans going to be good deals for the Latin American countries? Will the money come through, and will it be used effectively for the intended purposes? Is China's increased investment in Ecuador, Venezuela and other countries in the region playing out …


Is Government Interference Hampering Petrobras?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor Jun 2011

Is Government Interference Hampering Petrobras?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor

Latin American Energy Dialogue, White Papers and Reports

Some investors, concerned about government meddling and profitability at Brazilian oil giant Petrobras, have shifted interest away from the state-run company to startup companies that include OGX Petroleo and HRT ParticipaÇões, Reuters reported May 25. How significant of a problem is political interference for Petrobras and what effect does it have on profitability? What has been the effect of pre-salt regulations on the country's ability to efficiently develop the fields? Is the outlook for the new crop of oil start-ups as rosy as some investors paint, or over-hyped?


How Well Is Uruguay's Nascent Oil Sector Advancing?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor Jun 2011

How Well Is Uruguay's Nascent Oil Sector Advancing?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor

Latin American Energy Dialogue, White Papers and Reports

Uruguay's state-run oil and gas company, ANCAP, announced last month that it discovered the first traces of underground oil in what may be a ""promising shale deposit,"" according to director Juan Gómez. ANCAP is also preparing to launch a new bidding round for offshore blocks in September and a second round in 2012. Gómez has said the new find and the possibility of offshore oil have attracted significant interest by international investors. How promising is future onshore and offshore development in Uruguay? Does the government have the right regulatory structures in place? What more should it be doing to promote …


Will A New Bureau Lead To Better Regional Energy Policy?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor Jun 2011

Will A New Bureau Lead To Better Regional Energy Policy?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor

Latin American Energy Dialogue, White Papers and Reports

After stepping down as the U.S. ambassador to Mexico, Carlos Pascual was appointed in May as the State Department's special envoy and coordinator for international energy affairs. He will be tasked with designing and establishing a new Bureau for Energy Resources to unify energy diplomacy within the State Department. Will the creation of the new bureau lead to better energy policy and collaboration in the Americas? What energy issues in the region should the U.S. government be focusing on? What are some potential areas of conflict or disagreement between U.S. energy priorities and the interests of countries in Latin America …


Are Conflicts Hampering Per's Energy And Mining Sectors?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor May 2011

Are Conflicts Hampering Per's Energy And Mining Sectors?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor

Latin American Energy Dialogue, White Papers and Reports

There are currently 200 conflicts over natural resources in Peru, particularly in rural areas where residents complain extractive projects are destroying their lands and that they are unlikely to see many of the economic benefits, Reuters reported May 2, citing Per's human rights office. Those conflicts threaten to derail investments totaling some $40 billion over the next decade, according to the report. Are these tensions likely to crimp Per's energy and mining sectors? Which types of projects face the most strident opposition? How should the next president handle such situations? How would Ollanta Humala and Keiko Fujimori differ in their …


Is Ecuador's Refinery Of The Pacific On Track?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor May 2011

Is Ecuador's Refinery Of The Pacific On Track?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor

Latin American Energy Dialogue, White Papers and Reports

In 2008, PDVSA and PetroEcuador agreed to build the "Eloy Alfaro Delgado" Refinery of the Pacific, which reportedly will be the only high-conversion plant on Latin America's Pacific coast. The facility will require an investment of $12 billion, of which Venezuela and Ecuador have so far committed $3 billion. On March 9, Ecuadorean President Rafael Correa announced that more money would be distributed to accelerate the manufacturing of construction equipment. Is preliminary work on the refinery on track to be ready by 2015? Are the right plans in place for the refinery to attract the necessary investment and who would …


How Well Is Uruguay's Nascent Oil Sector Advancing?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor May 2011

How Well Is Uruguay's Nascent Oil Sector Advancing?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor

Latin American Energy Dialogue, White Papers and Reports

Uruguay's state-run oil and gas company, ANCAP, announced last month that it discovered the first traces of underground oil in what may be a "promising shale deposit," according to director Juan Gómez. ANCAP is also preparing to launch a new bidding round for offshore blocks in September and a second round in 2012. Gómez has said the new find and the possibility of offshore oil have attracted significant interest by international investors. How promising is future onshore and offshore development in Uruguay? Does the government have the right regulatory structures in place? What more should it be doing to promote …


How Will New Tariffs Affect Venezuela's Oil Industry?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor May 2011

How Will New Tariffs Affect Venezuela's Oil Industry?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor

Latin American Energy Dialogue, White Papers and Reports

On April 21, Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez announced drastic changes to windfall oil tax rates, hiking the tax from 60 percent to 95 percent when oil prices surpass $100 per barrel. The new legislation also raises the taxes to 80 percent when oil prices are between $70-90 per barrel and 90 percent when prices are between $90-100 per barrel. The government has since sought to reassure investors, saying that companies will only pay the higher rates after they recoup their original investment. How are the new taxes likely to affect investment in the country's oil sector in the short- and …


How Will Rising Fuel Costs Affect The Caribbean?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor Apr 2011

How Will Rising Fuel Costs Affect The Caribbean?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor

Latin American Energy Dialogue, White Papers and Reports

The administration of Jamaican prime minister Bruce Golding on April 11 caved in to pressure "at the eleventh hour" and rolled back the rate of the ad valorem tax on fuel, the Jamaica Gleaner reported, in an apparent bid to ward off opposition-led national street protests over fuel prices that party officials worried could turn violent. The opposition PNP party wants a permanent cap on the gas tax, as well as the removal of the general consumption tax on electricity, while the administration has pointed out that the increases in the price of fuel were being driven by the price …


Will Pemex Be Able To Reverse Declining Reserves?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor Apr 2011

Will Pemex Be Able To Reverse Declining Reserves?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor

Latin American Energy Dialogue, White Papers and Reports

In 2008, Mexico enacted some reforms to its hydrocarbons sector in an effort to turn around a decline in crude oil output. Despite the reforms, proven crude reserves dropped for the 12th year in a row last year. In an effort to encourage foreign involvement, Pemex will auction several oil field contracts this summer, with as many as 20 awarded by the end of next year. Will the contracts attract outside cash and technology, and will that be enough to increase Mexico's oil output? What structural changes at Pemex could improve the company's chances for increasing production? Experts discuss what …


How Does The Current Surge In Oil Prices Compare To 2008?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor Mar 2011

How Does The Current Surge In Oil Prices Compare To 2008?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor

Latin American Energy Dialogue, White Papers and Reports

With ongoing tensions in the Middle East, oil prices have soared to heights not seen since before the economic crisis. What is the impact of the surge in oil prices on Latin American countries? Which countries and industries stand to benefit? Which stand to lose? How does the situation compare to the last time prices reached $100 per barrel in 2008? Experts discuss what they think about this topic.


Are Expectations For Colombia's Oil Sector Too Optimistic?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor Feb 2011

Are Expectations For Colombia's Oil Sector Too Optimistic?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor

Latin American Energy Dialogue, White Papers and Reports

In February, Mexican tycoon Carlos Slim said he was actively looking to boost investment in Colombia due to its burgeoning oil industry. Meanwhile, the United States Export-Import Bank approved nearly $1 billion in financing for Colombia's state-run energy company Ecopetrol, identifying the country as one of nine emerging economies that offer the United States a greater opportunity for export sales. Are expectations about Colombia's oil and gas industry justified or overly optimistic? What opportunities does the country offer that make it a desirable place to invest in the energy industry? How can the government boost investment to that sector? How …


Should The Bolivian Government Have Ended Fuel Subsidies?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor Feb 2011

Should The Bolivian Government Have Ended Fuel Subsidies?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor

Latin American Energy Dialogue, White Papers and Reports

On Dec. 26, Bolivian President Evo Morales issued a decree canceling heavy subsidies on gasoline and diesel fuel, citing the heavy preponderance of fuel smuggling across the border, and thus triggered a rise in fuel prices by more than 70 percent. The change was met with widespread protests, riots and a national transport strike. Morales reversed his decision on Dec. 31. Should Morales have ended fuel subsidies in Bolivia? What are the political ramifications for the move and its subsequent reversal? What else can the government do about widespread fuel smuggling? Is the government likely to cut subsidies in the …


Will Shale Gas Transform Argentina's Energy Sector?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor Feb 2011

Will Shale Gas Transform Argentina's Energy Sector?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor

Latin American Energy Dialogue, White Papers and Reports

In December, Repsol YPF announced a 4.5 trillion cubic feet discovery of shale gas in Argentina's Neuquén Basin. According to the company, the find expands YPF's proven reserves from six years to 16 years. What is the potential to exploit shale gas resources in Argentina? How does the recovery of shale gas differ from traditional oil and gas reserves? What new regulations and rules will Argentina need to adopt as a result of the find? Will the shale gas discovery have a significant effect on the country's domestic capacity and its potential to export energy to neighboring countries? Experts discuss …


What Will 2011 Bring For Latin America's Energy Sector?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor Jan 2011

What Will 2011 Bring For Latin America's Energy Sector?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor

Latin American Energy Dialogue, White Papers and Reports

The major news stories in Latin America's energy sector last year included the development of Brazil's offshore reserves and Petrobas' record-breaking share sale, the dramatic oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, the discovery of Argentina's largest gas find in 35 years, the continued decline in Venezuelan oil production and a significant drop in Bolivia's proven gas reserves. Which stories will make headlines in the Latin American energy sector in 2011? What trends should policy makers and business leaders be on the lookout for? Will the region's energy sector see any surprises? Experts discuss what they think about this topic.


What Is The Role Of Natural Gas In The Caribbean Energy Sector?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor Jan 2011

What Is The Role Of Natural Gas In The Caribbean Energy Sector?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor

Latin American Energy Dialogue, White Papers and Reports

Last year, Jamaica's Office of Utilities Regulations issued a report that found the island nation would have to spend over $2.4 billion more to continue building diesel- and oil-fired plants than if the country switched to natural gas-fired plants to meet increasing electricity demand. What are the advantages of natural gas versus other power supply sources for Jamaica? Should other countries in the Caribbean adopt a similar strategy to shore up their electricity grid?


How Will China's Energy Sector Prominence Affect The Region?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor Jan 2011

How Will China's Energy Sector Prominence Affect The Region?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor

Latin American Energy Dialogue, White Papers and Reports

In 2010, Chinese oil companies spent more than $15 billion on upstream deals in Latin America, including Sinopec's December acquisition of Occidental Petroleum's Argentine operations for $2.45 billion, and analysts expect that the trend will continue. What would be the effects of China's continued prominence in Latin America's oil and gas sectors? Which countries and companies in the region are Chinese investors most significantly interested in and how do they differ from other foreign companies' investment strategies? How will China's increasing profile in the region affect Latin American political and economic policies?


Why The United States And Cuba Collaborate, Jorge Piñon Jan 2011

Why The United States And Cuba Collaborate, Jorge Piñon

Latin American Energy Dialogue, White Papers and Reports

This article examines Cuba's upcoming oil exploration drilling program. It outlines some of the benefits of collaboration between the United States and Cuba given that the drilling will take place in the Gulf of Mexico. The article recommends an agreement between the two countries similar to the MEXUS Plan (1980) that the United States signed with Mexico.


Challenges Of Designing An Optimal Petroleum Fiscal Model In Latin America, Roger Tissot Jan 2011

Challenges Of Designing An Optimal Petroleum Fiscal Model In Latin America, Roger Tissot

Latin American Energy Dialogue, White Papers and Reports

This article traces the recent history of petroleum fiscal models throughout Latin America, including market-oriented models to state corporatism models based on resource nationalism.


Argentina's Energy Pricing Challenges, Pablo Fenández-Lamela Jan 2011

Argentina's Energy Pricing Challenges, Pablo Fenández-Lamela

Latin American Energy Dialogue, White Papers and Reports

This article examines the challenges that Argentina is facing as the prices of gas, oil, and electricity are capped at below market level. While previously an energy exporter, the country has become an energy importer during times of elevated demand. The topic of energy subsidies is also discussed.


Central America's Energy Challenges, Cristina Eguizábal Jan 2011

Central America's Energy Challenges, Cristina Eguizábal

Latin American Energy Dialogue, White Papers and Reports

This article discusses Central America's current energy matrix and outlines the next steps that the region may consider, such as more hydropower projects, wind parks, and small-scale renewable energy projects in rural areas. Lastly, the article examines the benefits to continuing efforts to link the various power grids in the region for increased efficiency.


Petrobras: The Unique Structure Behind Latin America's Best Performing Oil Company, Genaro Arriagada, Chris Cote Jan 2011

Petrobras: The Unique Structure Behind Latin America's Best Performing Oil Company, Genaro Arriagada, Chris Cote

Latin American Energy Dialogue, White Papers and Reports

This article details the success of Petrobras, the national oil and gas company of Brazil. In particular, it discusses how the company was formed and how it currently operates as both a government corporation and a dividend-paying private company.


Leading Energy Policy Issues In Latin America, Genaro Arriagada Jan 2011

Leading Energy Policy Issues In Latin America, Genaro Arriagada

Latin American Energy Dialogue, White Papers and Reports

This article provides an analysis of the energy sources in Latin America, including oil, natural gas, hydroelectric power, coal, traditional biomass, non-conventional renewable energy sources, and non-conventional hydrocarbons. It specifies the energy situation in three regions (Central America and the Caribbean, South America, and North America), and presents issues related to energy security, integration and geopolitics. Additionally, this article details why energy policy must consider three fundamental elements: efficiency, public corporations and energy prices. It concludes by analyzing Latin America's relationship to global climate change.


Petrocaribe: Welcome Relief For An Energy-Poor Region, Chris Cote Jan 2011

Petrocaribe: Welcome Relief For An Energy-Poor Region, Chris Cote

Latin American Energy Dialogue, White Papers and Reports

This article outlines the role of PetroCaribe of Venezuela. It details the relationship that Venezuela has with Central American and Caribbean countries as a provider of oil. Additionally, it examines the financing opportunities provided by PetroCaribe. It concludes with a discussion on the long-term prospects of PetroCaribe.


How Widespread Is Oil And Electricity Theft In Latin America?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor Nov 2010

How Widespread Is Oil And Electricity Theft In Latin America?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor

Latin American Energy Dialogue, White Papers and Reports

Last month, a ruptured pipeline in northern Colombia spilled 20,000 gallons of fuel into the Caribbean Sea and created a localized environmental emergency. Authorities allege that the spill was caused by a failed criminal attempt to siphon oil from the pipeline. How big of a problem is the theft of oil, fuels and electricity in Latin American and Caribbean countries? In which countries is the situation most critical? What types of entities are behind the theft, and what policies and practices should be implemented to stop this type of criminal activity?


Hydrocarbons And The Peruvian Amazon: Overlapping Rights Or Opportunities For Sustainable Development?, César L. Gamboa Balbín, Rosemarie Avila B., Jimpson Dávila O., Asunta Santillán B., Irene Ramos Urrutia, Maria Del Rosario Sevillano, Henry O. Carhuatocto Sandoval, Graciela M. Mercedes Lu De Lama Aug 2010

Hydrocarbons And The Peruvian Amazon: Overlapping Rights Or Opportunities For Sustainable Development?, César L. Gamboa Balbín, Rosemarie Avila B., Jimpson Dávila O., Asunta Santillán B., Irene Ramos Urrutia, Maria Del Rosario Sevillano, Henry O. Carhuatocto Sandoval, Graciela M. Mercedes Lu De Lama

Latin American Energy Dialogue, White Papers and Reports

This study provides an in-depth analysis of the issues surrounding hydrocarbon exploration in the Peruvian Amazon, providing a criticism of past and current energy regulation. Attention is given especially to the question of rights: Who has them? Whose rights matter more? In addition, the study offers proposals for solutions to the challenges associated with identifying energy resources in the Amazon.


Will The U.S. Becoming An Ethanol Exporter Affect Brazil?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor Jun 2010

Will The U.S. Becoming An Ethanol Exporter Affect Brazil?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor

Latin American Energy Dialogue, White Papers and Reports

According to a new study from the Renewable Fuels Association, the U.S. biofuels industry group, the United States is set to become a net ethanol exporter this year, with exports expected to reach 330 million gallons. What is behind this new trend? Is Brazil, which has had to import ethanol due to a domestic shortage, losing market share to U.S. ethanol producers? What future regulatory developments in both countries will influence their export capability?. Experts told us what they think about this topic.