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What Accounts For The Erosion Of Interest In Brazil's Oil Sector?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor
What Accounts For The Erosion Of Interest In Brazil's Oil Sector?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor
Latin American Energy Dialogue, White Papers and Reports
U.S.-based oil company Anadarko has put its plans to sell some of its assets in Brazil on hold, failing to attract a high enough price as interest in the country's oil sector has waned, the Financial Times reported in July. Brazil has not sold new offshore permits for about five years, and state oil company Petrobras has had difficulty in meeting targets for increased production. High local content requirements and perceived political interference have also hampered investment and production, according to government critics. How much has the previously intense excitement about Brazil's oil sector cooled? What are the primary factors …
Can Central America Overcome Its Energy Woes?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor
Can Central America Overcome Its Energy Woes?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor
Latin American Energy Dialogue, White Papers and Reports
Earlier this month, an ECLAC executive said that Central America would be more competitive once the regional energy integration system SIEPAC comes online and reduces energy costs. Meanwhile, four Central American nations are in the top 10 countries in the region in terms of fostering a climate for renewable energy projects, according to a report by the Multilateral Investment Fund of the Inter-American Development Bank and Bloomberg New Energy Finance. After years of energy woes, is Central America finally makes strides? What challenges does the region face and are its efforts to address them adequate?
Is Latin America's Energy Sector Looking Up Or Down?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor
Is Latin America's Energy Sector Looking Up Or Down?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor
Latin American Energy Dialogue, White Papers and Reports
Given the potential of significant oil reserves in Brazil and Venezuela, large shale gas discoveries, plummeting wind energy prices and other developments, some analysts are highly optimistic about the general energy outlook in Latin America. Others cite opposition to hydro projects, vulnerabilities in energy-poor parts of the region, stagnation of oil production, unproved ultra-deep-water technologies and other hurdles as cause for major concern about the region's energy future. Are reasons for optimism weak? Or are pessimists underestimating the region's potential? What are the major trends in regional energy issues that we can expect in the period ahead, and how can …
Will Peña Nieto Be Able To Win Support For Energy Reform?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor
Will Peña Nieto Be Able To Win Support For Energy Reform?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor
Latin American Energy Dialogue, White Papers and Reports
Mexican President-elect Enrique Peña Nieto has said that reforming the state-run energy sector will be his ""signature issue"" and that he aims to refashion Pemex in the image of Brazil's Petrobras, Bloomberg News reported. However, the Institutional Revolutionary Party fell short of an outright majority in the country's Congress and energy reform has proven to be elusive in the past. Will Peña Nieto be successful in his bid to reform Pemex? What changes will he try to implement and what challenges is he likely to face in getting them passed?
What Does Repsol's Departure Mean For Cuba's Drilling Future?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor
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?
How Are Global Biofuels Trends Changing?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor
How Are Global Biofuels Trends Changing?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor
Latin American Energy Dialogue, White Papers and Reports
At the end of 2011, the United States overtook Brazil as the world's top ethanol exporter— though U.S. imports from Brazil have been growing as a result of domestic regulation in the United States. Countries like Thailand have also increased their ethanol exports to traditional Brazilian markets, such as China, as the South American nation struggles to meet domestic demand. What trends in the global biofuel market, including advanced biofuels and bio-based products, will be seen in the medium- to longterm future? How are Brazil's biofuels production trends and government policies for the sector changing, if at all? What accounts …
What Does A State-Run Energy Company Need To Succeed?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor
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?
What Is The Outlook For Non-Food Based Biofuels?, Inter-American Dialogues Latin American Energy Advisor'
What Is The Outlook For Non-Food Based Biofuels?, Inter-American Dialogues Latin American Energy Advisor'
Latin American Energy Dialogue, White Papers and Reports
A worsening drought in South America has caused downward revisions to corn production estimates, while Brazil continues to struggle with a shortfall in last year's sugarcane crop. Last month, the new director of the United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organization criticized the United States for the use of corn to make biofuel, saying it raises prices for the cereal globally. Meanwhile, U.S. bio-technology company Bio Architecture Lab announced last month that it will open a pilot plant in Chile to develop biofuels from seaweed. What is the outlook for biofuels in Latin America given competing demand for food resources? Will …
Will The Argentine Government Hinder Shale Investment?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor
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 …
Is Mexico Prepared For Deepwater Drilling In The Gulf?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor
Is Mexico Prepared For Deepwater Drilling In The Gulf?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor
Latin American Energy Dialogue, White Papers and Reports
Pemex is not prepared for risks such as a spill or other serious accident that could happen as it plans to drill two wells in ultradeep waters of the Gulf of Mexico, said Juan Carlos Zepeda, the head of Mexico's National Hydrocarbons Commission, in a Feb. 15 interview with The Wall Street Journal. According to Zepeda, his agency's resources amount to about 2 percent the size of its U.S. counterpart's budget. Pemex officials, however, say that the company is capable of carrying out its plans safely. How prepared is Mexico to deal with a serious accident in the Gulf of …
Brazil On Track To Manage Its Oil Bonanza Effectively?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor
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
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 Ecuador Be Able To Produce More Oil Next Year?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor
Will Ecuador Be Able To Produce More Oil Next Year?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor
Latin American Energy Dialogue, White Papers and Reports
Ecuador's revenue from oil product exports rose 87 percent between January and September to $860 million, compared to the $459 million registered in the same period in 2010, Dow Jones reported Dec. 1. According to the central bank, exports rose 35 percent from 6.73 million barrels in the first nine months of 2010 to 9.06 million barrels during that period in 2011. What is the outlook for Ecuadorean oil production? How well is the government managing the country's oil sector after contract renegotiations earlier this year?
Will The Ethanol Sector In Brazil See Major Changes?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor
Will The Ethanol Sector In Brazil See Major Changes?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor
Latin American Energy Dialogue, White Papers and Reports
Brazil's Sugarcane Industry Association (UNICA) further decreased its forecast for the 2011- 2012 harvest in the south center region, which is responsible for 90 percent of the country's production. The organization now expects a drop of some 12 percent from the 2010-2011 harvest of 557 million tons. Among the reasons for the fall in output are lower agricultural productivity, unfavorable weather conditions and new diseases and infestations. Is the ethanol sector likely to see similar problems in the future? What role will biofuels play in Brazil's short to medium term energy future? Is the government likely to make any significant …
Can Shale Gas Really Transform The Region's Energy Sector?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor
Can Shale Gas Really Transform The Region's Energy Sector?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor
Latin American Energy Dialogue, White Papers and Reports
Argentina has the world's third largest technically recoverable shale-gas resources, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, with several large shale gas discoveries recently announced in the country's Neuquén Basin. Mexico is ranked fourth globally, while Paraguay, Uruguay, Brazil and several other Latin American countries also boast of the potential for their shale resources. Will shale gas lead to another energy boom for Latin America? How do investors view the potential for shale gas deposits, which involve new technologies and uncertain regulatory structures, compared to the region's rich conventional resources? How will shale gas affect existing natural gas businesses, as …
How Will Brazil's Pre-Salt Regulatory Debate Turn Out?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor
How Will Brazil's Pre-Salt Regulatory Debate Turn Out?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor
Latin American Energy Dialogue, White Papers and Reports
The Brazilian government last month released a long-anticipated plan for sharing oil royalties among states. However, congressional leaders have continued to struggle to broker a compromise with producer and nonproducer state governments, which are each threatening to challenge proposals they deem insufficient in court. The deal is a requirement to implement the government's new framework for exploration and production of the country's massive subsalt reserves. What are the main obstacles to reaching a deal? How likely is the government to reach an agreement before the end of the year? When is Brazil likely to be able to conduct a new …
What Accounts For The Drop In Price Of Wind Power?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor
What Accounts For The Drop In Price Of Wind Power?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor
Latin American Energy Dialogue, White Papers and Reports
In a Brazilian energy auction last month, companies agreed to sell power at the world's cheapest rates for wind energy, leading some analysts to speculate that developers will have difficulty fulfilling those contracts, Bloomberg News reported Aug. 31. Recently completed auctions in Peru and Uruguay similarly saw prices for wind power fall significantly, and the Uruguayan government is now considering purchasing four times as much energy than expected from wind farms. What accounts for the dramatic drop in price for wind power? Is the trend likely to continue in these countries and elsewhere? Will companies have trouble fulfilling the contracts?
What Is The Future Of Trinidad And Tobago's Oil And Gas Sector?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor
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 …
How Should Mexico's State-Run Pemex Be Reformed?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor
How Should Mexico's State-Run Pemex Be Reformed?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor
Latin American Energy Dialogue, White Papers and Reports
In an interview with Fortune, the CEO of Mexico's Pemex, Juan José Suárez Coppel, described the state oil company's problems as having ""too many cooks in the kitchen,"" adding that efficiency gets lost. Coppel suggested that sweeping changes would have advantages and though they are unlikely to occur this year, could happen in the future. Will energy policy and changes to Pemex play a significant role in the next election? If so, which proposals are likely to be debated? What steps should Pemex take to increase efficiency within its current limitations? How should the company be reformed in the medium …
Is The Region Capable Of Meeting Increased Electricity Demand?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor
Is The Region Capable Of Meeting Increased Electricity Demand?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor
Latin American Energy Dialogue, White Papers and Reports
Brazil's Säo Paulo state has suffered several major power failures this year, while the Venezuelan government has enacted rationing measures and begun importing electricity from Colombia. Meanwhile, Argentina's electricity consumption in May grew by 7.8 percent over the year prior, and the Chilean government has repeatedly said it will need to double its electricity generation capacity in the next 10 to 15 years. As Latin American economies continue to grow, how capable are they of meeting electricity demand? Are power shortages likely to hamper growth and, if so, where? What role should the state play in developing the power sector, …
Is Government Interference Hampering Petrobras?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor
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?
What Is The Future Of Energy Integration In Central America?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor
What Is The Future Of Energy Integration In Central America?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor
Latin American Energy Dialogue, White Papers and Reports
First proposed in 1987, the Central American Electricity Interconnection System (SIEPAC), a plan to create a more robust regional transmission grid in Central America, is scheduled to become operational this year. In order to allow economies of scale to occur, the aim is to harness the transmission project to create an integrated regional electricity market known as the Mercado Eléctrico Regional (MER). What are the potential benefits and downsides of the MER? What challenges does the integrated market face? What steps do the region's governments and institutions need to take to bring it to fruition?
How Well Is Uruguay's Nascent Oil Sector Advancing?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor
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 Changes To U.S. Ethanol Subsidies Affect Brazil?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor
How Will Changes To U.S. Ethanol Subsidies Affect Brazil?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor
Latin American Energy Dialogue, White Papers and Reports
Last month, U.S. senators introduced competing legislation regarding the ethanol producer subsidy and import tariff, which are set to expire this year. A bill proposed by Democrat Dianne Feinstein (Calif.) and Republican Tom Coburn (Okla.) would eliminate the 45-cent subsidy for ethanol producers and 54-cent tariff for ethanol imports, while legislation from R Senators Charles Grassley (R-Iowa) and Kent Conrad (D-N.D.) would sharply reduce, but still retain, the measures. What are the advantages and drawbacks of the bills and is one likely to pass? How would the legislation affect the ethanol industry? Does Brazil have the infrastructure and capacity to …
Is Ecuador's Refinery Of The Pacific On Track?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor
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 …
What Trends Are Shaping The Future Of Biofuels?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor
What Trends Are Shaping The Future Of Biofuels?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor
Latin American Energy Dialogue, White Papers and Reports
Biodiesel production in Argentina this year is expected to climb 60 percent as compared to 2010. Meanwhile, in Brazil, industry leaders have called the biofuels sector "ripe for consolidation" as it needs to increase capacity and the country recently signed cooperation agreements with the United States to advance aviation biofuels. Meanwhile, high food prices have led to criticism that producing biofuels, especially from corn ethanol in the United States, diverts agricultural production from food crops. How will the development of biofuels play out in Brazil and elsewhere in the Americas? What are the most viable solutions for the food vs. …
How Well Is Uruguay's Nascent Oil Sector Advancing?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor
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 …
Is Venezuela Facing Another Electricity Crisis?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor
Is Venezuela Facing Another Electricity Crisis?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor
Latin American Energy Dialogue, White Papers and Reports
On April 7, a fire damaged a power line in Venezuela and caused the country's worst blackout since 2009. Top government officials were adamant that Venezuela is now better equipped than in 2009-10 when electricity shortages crimped the economy during a severe drought. However, the recent outage came amid a series of power shortages since March that industry analysts and business owners claim are hampering production. Does the Venezuelan government have the situation under control or is the electricity crisis likely to repeat itself? What steps should be taken to fix the electricity grid? Will the country be able to …
Will Pemex Be Able To Reverse Declining Reserves?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor
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 …
Should The Bolivian Government Have Ended Fuel Subsidies?, Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Energy Advisor
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 …