IOA Energy Podcast Series

Panorama del Petróleo y Gas en Ecuador y Perú: Retos y Oportunidades Recording Diciembre 7, 2022 | 11:00 AM  – 12:30 PM (EST) | 8:00 – 9:30 AM (PST) | Virtual Listen to English Interpretation Ecuador y Perú se han embarcado en nuevas rondas de licitación de petróleo y gas, subastando bloques, ante un contexto de vientos en contra en materia económica, de volatilidad global y desequilibrio del mercado. En Ecuador, el proceso de subasta tiene como objetivo atraer inversiones extranjeras muy necesarias para el país, pero también contribuir con los objetivos de la administración Lasso de duplicar la producción de petróleo durante su mandato.  Perú también ha trabajado en lanzar una ronda de oferta de bloques con el ánimo de reactivar su sector de petróleo y gas y revertir las caídas en la perforación y producción. Más allá del difícil ambiente económico y de inversión global, ambos mercados enfrentan además importantes desafíos internos, tanto políticos, económicos como sociales. Además, la capacidad de desarrollar proyectos depende en gran medida de la participación de todos los actores interesados. El evento, que contará con la participación del Ministro de Energía y Minas de Ecuador, Fernando Santos Alvite y el Gerente General de Perupetro, Daniel Hokama, como los ponentes de apertura, se centrará en los detalles del proceso de las subastas, las modalidades de los contratos y plazos.  Adicionalmente, panelistas de la industria y otras organizaciones, complementarán las discusiones con sus perspectivas del sector y fomentando una discusión franca sobre el manejo de la licencia social para operar y posibilitar el desarrollo buscado por ambos gobiernos. Agenda 8am PT (11am Quito/Lima) | Bienvenida – Jeremy Martin, Vicepresidente, Energía y Sostenibilidad, Instituto de las Américas 8:10am PT (11:10am Quito/Lima) | Ponencia Principal sobre Ecuador – Fernando Santos Alvite, Ministro de Energía y Minas de Ecuador 8:30am PT (11:30am Quito/Lima) | Ponencia Principal sobre Perú – Daniel Hokama, Gerente General, Perupetro 8:50am PT (11:50am Quito/Lima) | Sesión de discusión/Comentarista – Ruth Zambrano, Managing Director para Ecuador, Perú y Colombia, SLB 9:00am PT (12:00pm Quito/Lima) | Sesión de preguntas y respuestas con la audiencia 9:30am PT (12:30pm Quito/Lima) | Cierre The post Panorama del Petróleo y Gas en Ecuador y Perú: Retos y Oportunidades appeared first on Institute of the Americas.

Q2 – 2022 President & CEO’s Column Earlier this month, the United States hosted the IX Summit of the Americas in Los Angeles with a focus on Building a Sustainable, Resilient, and Equitable Future” for our hemisphere.   The Summit was attended by 23 heads of state from across the region and was complimented by three parallel convenings — IV CEO Summit of the Americas, IX Civil Society Forum and VI Young Americas Forum.   At the Summit, the Institute of the Americas (IOA) was represented by board members, Rolando González-Buster, Manuel Estrella, Advisory Council member, Richard Feinberg and IOA’s Energy & Sustainability Vice President, Jeremy Martin and me.  Much of the Summit’s media attention was focused on the authoritarian leaders of Cuba, Venezuela and Nicaragua (CVN trio) that were not invited to Los Angeles as well as the heads of state of Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras that opted out of the triennial convening due to the exclusion of the CVN trio.  Given the growing polarization and weakening of democratic institutions across the Americas, such disagreements were to be expected. Learn more Features IOA partners with UCSD to organize Pacific Climate Forum of the Americas The Institute of the Americas (IOA) partnered with Scripps Institution of Oceanography and UCSD’s School for Global Policy and Strategy to organize virtually the Pacific Climate Forum of the Americas on June 1-3, 2022, in the context of the 9th Summit of the Americas. Through more than 10 sessions and four scientific briefings, we hosted over 30 experts from multiple countries— including Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Mexico, Peru, and the United Sates—who shared their experiences, research, and lessons learned Learn More Policies toward Authoritarian States in the America During two half-days of rich dialogue on May 12-13, 2022, the Institute of the Americas convened a virtual forum to discuss “U.S. Policies toward Authoritarian States in the Americas: Fresh Thinking Amidst Changing Geo-Politics.”  The forum was organized in an effort to examine U.S. policy vis-à-vis Cuba, Venezuela and Nicaragua (CVN) in anticipation of the IX Summit of the Americas hosted by the United States in Los Angeles earlier this month. Learn More IOA Signs MOU with Baja Energy Commission to promote expanded energy access in Baja California In May, the Institute of the Americas (IOA) and the State Energy Commission of Baja California signed a Memorandum of Understanding to launch a project aimed at eradicating energy poverty throughout the state. Learn More Programs ENERGY & SUSTAINABILITY PROGRAM As leaders from Latin America and the Caribbean descended upon Los Angeles for the Summit of the Americas in mid-June, we released a first-of-its-kind project assessing energy transition workforce readiness in several Latin American countries. The Latin America Energy Transition Workforce Readiness Barometer and Energy Transition Snap Shots for each of the eight countries, as well as a detailed report, are now available via this dedicated web site. The quarter saw the return of our in-person events. First in Spain and later in Buenos Aires. In April, we relaunched the Madrid Energy Conference: Where Europe and Latin America meet for energy dialogue. Our next in person event took place in Buenos Aires in mid-May. Learn more Colombia elects Gustavo Petro: Rapid Response Briefing on Economy, Energy and International Relations A panel featuring our Non-Resident Fellow, Roger Tissot, and John Padilla of IPD Latin America, was convened just after Gustavo Petro claimed victory in second round presidential voting in Colombia. The panel assessed whether Petro arrives in Casa de Nariño in August with a clear mandate. Petro’s efforts to build coalitions in congress and implement economic and energy policies, as well as how the new administration will reset international relations with neighboring Venezuela and the United States, were key discussion themes. Learn More Geothermal Across the Americas – Part I: Geothermal as a Game Changer The panel discussion in the first installment of our new webinar series focused on the enormous potential derived from a variety of sources, ranging from traditional development to shallow low grade (low enthalpy) heat available everywhere, but also repurposing of oil & gas wells to extract heat. Perhaps most exciting and potentially game-changing is the potential to extract lithium from geothermal brine. Pilot projects are underway as the panel discussed and proof of concept and scale is pending. Learn More Latin American Energy Transition Workforce Readiness Assessment and Barometer Countries across Latin America have long faced challenges with regards to fostering sustained economic development, specifically in creating economic opportunities that translate to jobs. It is crucial to understand the role of the energy transition as a policy objective and overall economic framework for the region’s governments, as well as within the private sector and academia. A deeper understanding of the current context can allow for a more informed sense of the potential employment opportunities related to the energy transition, along with the extent to which the region is prepared to obtain them. Learn More Argentina Energy Roundtable Across two days, speakers shared key insights on a wide range of issues from how to define energy transition in Argentina, the role of renewables as viewed by the current administration, nuclear energy, hydrogen, lithium and the ongoing effort to truly leverage Vaca Muerta including resetting regional integration and LNG. Above all, the element of macroeconomic stability and how to manage financing – particularly against the current global backdrop – cut across all the sessions.  There was a noticeable level of optimism in the formal remarks of speakers, but also in the foyer during the coffee breaks and cocktail. Learn More Easter and Electricity in Mexico – The Electric Sector Reform Debate, Congressional Vote and What Comes Next Our compilation of essays focused on the electric sector in Mexico. Following up on the historic vote in Congress on Easter, our Mexico team shared their thoughts and insights: Easter and Electricity in Mexico – The Electric Sector Reform Debate, Congressional Vote and What Comes Next Desafíos y Oportunidades para el Sector Productivo de México We also issued a report based upon discussions and the proceedings at a forum we supported that was hosted by the Mexican Congress assessing the country’s economic competitiveness:  Desafíos y Oportunidades para el Sector Productivo de México Madrid Energy Conference The importance of how to balance energy security and climate action cut across all our panels and discussions. The relaunch solidified the Madrid Energy Conference as the nexus for Latin American and European energy leaders to discuss energy transition solutions and clean energy advances. This year was also particularly sensitive as participants debated how to navigate challenges exacerbated by COVID-19 and unfolding from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, particularly in terms of finance and fiscal stability in Latin America. Learn More ENVIRONMENT & CLIMATE CHANGE Pacific Climate of the Americas Forum The IOA, along with Scripps Institution of Oceanography and UCSD’s School for Global Policy and Strategy, organized virtually on June 1-3, 2022 the Pacific Climate Forum of the Americas. Thanks to our world-class line-up of panelists, we reached more than 350 viewers from across the continent, from Canada to Chile. The exchange of knowledge and best practices shared during this three-day forum will hopefully assist policy- and decision-makers in crafting and implementing effective climate and environmental policies in the region, responsive to the needs of coastal communities throughout the Americas. Given that around 25% of the Latin American population lives at or near the coasts, effective strategies for promoting the blue economy, that simultaneously tackle resilience and biodiversity conservation, are of the utmost importance.  You can download the high-level proceedings report here. Las Californias Blue Carbon Initiative Report Together with Scripps Institution of Oceanography, Pronatura Noroeste, and the UC San Diego Center for U.S-Mexican Studies, the IOA launched the Las California Blue Carbon Initiative to explore innovative finance mechanisms and cross-border, nature-based market solutions to protect coastal ecosystems shared by California and the Baja California Peninsula, that at the same time provide options for binational climate action. An interactive story map and complimentary reports are included for further background on both the Mexican and Californian perspectives of key species, sites, and potential sources of funding. The final summary report can be found in English here, and in Spanish here. U.S. – Mexico Climate Change Working Group Launched in 2021 alongside Brookings Institution, the  Initiative on Sustainable Development Goals at the Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey, and the UC San Diego Center for U.S-Mexican Studies, the  US-Mexico Climate Change Working Group  brings together Mexican and U.S. experts to identify areas of cooperation and propose concrete recommendations to advance pressing climate issues ranging from energy efficiency to climate adaptation.  You can read our Final Report titled “A Prosposed Agenda for U.S.-Mexico Climate Change Discussions and Potential Collaboration” in both English and Spanish here. As part of this initiative, on June 6th, 2022, the Tec de Monterrey, Santa Fe, hosted a hybrid convening to discuss the final report.  Ship-born Marine Pollution Project The EC2 program is currently working on dual white papers on air emissions and marine pollution created by Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems (EGCS) washwater from cruise ships. The first of these papers, A Hemispheric Regulatory Analysis of Scrubber Discharge Marine Pollution in Countries of the Americas, explores what different nations in the Western Hemisphere are doing to mitigate this problem through legislation and bans. The second study, Emissions and Effluents from Cruise Ships in the Bay of La Paz, Mexico From January 2020 to June 2021, quantifies the emissions and effluents from ten cruise ships that stayed during extended periods of time in the Bay of La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico, during the COVID-19 pandemic. This analysis can also be consulted in Spanish here. Lastly, we produced a 4-minute video capsule in Spanish surrounding the issue of ship-borne marine pollution and its current regulation.  Scope 3 Emissions – Decarbonization Across The Supply Chains Authored by the EC2 program’s non-resident fellow, Soffia Alarcón-Díaz, with contributions from EC2 Policy Director Tania Miranda, this technical briefing note published in April 2022 focuses on Scope 3 Emissions disclosure; the new proposed regulation by the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC), and its potential effect on exporting Small and Medium Enterprises from Latin America. You can download it here.   IOA co-sponsors supply chain forum with US-Mexico Chamber highlighting ESG compliance On April 29th, 2022, we partnered with the U.S.-Mexico Chamber of Commerce-California Chapter to discuss emerging U.S.-Mexico Logistics and Supply Chain Challenges with leaders in the region. Soffia Alarcón-Díaz, IOA non-resident fellow, presented on future challenges and opportunities for supply chains that stem from the new proposed regulation by the U.S. Securities Exchange Commission on emissions and climate risk disclosures.   PUBLIC PROGRAMS Distinguished Speaker Luis de la Calle on USMCA & the Future of Mexican Economic Competitiveness On May 23, we were delighted to our first in-person event at the Institute since the pandemic started. It was a pleasure to welcome 85 community stakeholders to the Institute’s meeting facilities. Our guest speaker was Luis de la Calle, Ph.D. Managing Director and Founding Partner of de la Calle, Madrazo, Mancera, S.C., and former undersecretary for international trade negotiations in Mexico’s Ministry of Economy. He spoke on the “USMCA & the Future of Mexican Economic Competitiveness.” We extend our gratitude to The Burnham Foundation and SENTRE for their generous support. Watch recording   BECOME A MEMBER Calling All Former and Potential New Institute Members With the Institute’s launch of Public Programs focused on the communities of Southern California and Baja California as well as our friends across the entire Americas, we are offering opportunities for you to become an Institute supporter receiving exclusive benefits. Your membership in the Institute of the Americas helps underpin both the Institute and its public programming. Learn More Announcements We are thrilled to announce the addition of two new Advisory Council members: Leslie Bassett completed a 35-year Foreign Service career in 2017. She has served on the City of San Diego’s International Affairs Board, and is currently a lecturer at the University of San Diego and Board President of the San Diego Diplomacy Council. Former U.S. Diplomat Zach Rabinor was seduced early on by Latin America’s vibrant cultures, towering peaks, thundering surf and intoxicating cuisine. As the Founder, President and CEO of award-winning travel company Journey Mexico, Zach oversees all aspects of the company’s operation and takes special interest and delight in the details of product development, marketing, and business development. Founder & CEO, Journey Mexico In the News: IX Summit of the Americas: Creative Diplomacy for a Fractured World More What’s Behind American Decline: Domestic Dysfunction More Oportunidad de cooperación México-Estados Unidos More El Instituto de las Américas y la Universidad de California San Diego Organizan Foro Climático del Pacífico More Implementará CEE proyecto piloto para erradicar pobreza energética More Smart grids: the next step for energy in Latin America More Events La Jolla Conference Sept 28-29, 2022 This September our hallmark La Jolla Conference resumes in person. The global energy sector is undergoing a major transformation, one confronting government and industry alike.  We have subtitled this year’s Conference “Debating the Future of Energy in Latin America and the Caribbean.” The urgent need to reduce emissions while ensuring energy security is at the core of the debate. More The post Q2 – 2022 appeared first on Institute of the Americas.

In the lead up to the Paris climate talks in December this year, the Institute of the Americas spoke to Tim Duane, visiting professor at USD, about expected outcomes and the role of the key players, including China and the US.

With the ink barely dry on the historic Iran nuclear deal, the accord has divided US political opinion. Aside from some predictable scaremongering, there are far reaching implications for the Western Hemisphere, particularly as Iran’s economy and oil sector recovers.

It now appears quite clear that July 15 will not replace March 18 as the most momentous day in Mexico’s storied oil history. The results of the first tender are in and it clearly is not the start that the Mexican government had sought, nor did it pan out the way those eager to invest had hoped either. But there is more to the story.

Mexico's northern border region may be an economic powerhouse but it's also an energy hog. This is starting to change as the introduction of renewable energy stands to alter the power mix in each of these states.

There was no fisherman involved this time. But the catch appears worth hanging on the wall. And hang it on the international energy wall Pemex and Mexico’s energy authorities have done over the last several days. This is Jeremy Martin Energy Program Director at the Institute of the Americas, and in today’s podcast we’ll look at the announcement by Pemex of a major oil and gas discovery in the shallow waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

The oil by rail controversy has been bubbling for some time, with periodic derailments bringing the topic back to the fore. In the absence of feasible alternatives, can it be made safer? And do the latest Department of Transportation rules go far enough?

Venezuela announced on Tuesday that the nation would begin rationing electricity and cutting work hours as hot weather puts pressure on the electricity system. In some ways, this is just the latest chapter in a prolonged energy crisis affecting Venezuela. For ordinary Venezuelans, the electricity crisis puts added pressure on their already difficult daily lives.

What do tankers loaded with Mexican oil docking in South Korea have to do with the US energy revolution? The answer is fairly simple – it is more than likely that if not for the boom in the US oil production over the last few years, these shipments would instead be hitting the US market. Add to that the increasing demand in Asia and you have a wave rippling through international oil geopolitics.

Bolivia was South America's fastest growing economy in 2014 but can it be sustained? The Institute of the Americas spoke to Alvaro Rios Roca about what it means for the nation's natural gas sector and energy outlook more broadly.

For years, Argentina has been one of the hemisphere's key energy markets and a leader in regional integration efforts and natural gas development. More recently, the nation has struggled. Yet with its vast shale oil and gas reserves, Argentina could again exert itself as a regional and global energy powerhouse.

When Peru's President Ollanta Humala reshuffled his cabinet yet again last week, the replacement of Eleodoro Mayorga, Minister of Energy and Mines, highlighted the ongoing instability in the nation's energy sector as social conflict threatens investment.

The Institute of the Americas sat down with Pelegrín Castillo, Minister of Energy and Mines in the Dominican Republic, to discuss the nation's electric sector reforms, hydrocarbons exploration project, and plans to make the Dominican Republic an energy hub in the region.

As the White House announces it will be seeking a further $1bn to boost economic prosperity, security, and the rule of law in Central America, we took a closer look at the role energy plays in economic growth in the region.

The New Year has arrived, which means it's time to talk energy trends for 2015. This year, our top three trends are global oil prices, Mexico's energy reforms, and Venezuela's deepening crisis.

As the US oil price falls below $50, we ask Dr. James Hamilton what it means for the US and global economy and who will be the biggest winners and losers.

Each December, we like to reflect on the top 5 energy stories of the year, bringing you a mix of the global and the local, the headline-grabbing and those that may have fallen below your radar. Join us for a whirlwind tour of US oil debates, Mexico reforms, Brazil's policy roller coaster, Argentina's shale debate, and global oil prices.

As Mexico prepares for its first oil and gas auction - Round One - the Institute of the Americas discussed the issue with Pedro Haas, Director at Hess Trading and former head of Pemex. Haas also examined the impact of Mexico's security crisis and the importance of ensuring the 'durability' of the energy reforms.

As we near the one year mark for Mexico's energy reforms, the Institute of the Americas spoke to Arturo Sarukhan, former Mexican Ambassador to the United States, about energy, Chicharito, and the "pivot" to North America.