New economic, political, social and technological paradigms are beginning to set up a different global scenario. The world is changing rapidly and is going through a period of adaptation to a new reality that also affects energy.

The geopolitical chess game, the breakthrough of digital technology, climate change or the new habits of the global village in which we live have a direct impact on an industry that is a pillar of the development of the planet. What are the challenges and opportunities of these times?

Once again, the Oil and Gas Conference ARPEL 2017, which took place April 25-27 in Punta del Este, Uruguay, was the platform for a sectoral analysis. It provided a space to explore possible responses and define certainties in a time of profound adjustments and enormous challenges.

The biennial event brought together more than 300 senior representatives of the regional energy sector from 134 companies, national and international institutions in the sector, and government agencies from 24 countries.

Three days of generous dialogue, analysis and discussion contained in a Forum of Hydrocarbon Agencies, eight plenary sessions, six keynote addresses and four concurrent workshops enabled the leaders of the industry to focus on the region and shed light on what is to come for the sector.

From the upstream sector through the geopolitical perspective, climate change, transparency and combating corruption, or cyber threats, the diversity of approaches allowed a substantial and comprehensive approach.

On balance, Latin America and the Caribbean have today a historic opportunity to consolidate their potential and, in turn, project themselves with greater prominence at the global level as a serious and reliable energy supplier.

At the same time, investments are reactivating and seeking opportunities that combine efficiency, legal security and environmental care, and, therefore, the challenge of strengthening and projecting the upstream sector as the basis of energy production must be a shared task between States and private players.

Finally, the specific weight gain of natural gas as the hydrocarbon of the future and as a source of transition toward a more renewable global energy matrix shows a horizon where the sector has a major role and is always at the forefront of the supply of energy.

The present report presents the subjects addressed during the Oil and Gas Conference ARPEL 2017.

To access the full report please click here