Are Conflicts Hampering Per\u27s Energy and Mining Sectors?

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\u27s 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\u27s 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 approaches to the conflicts? Experts discuss what they think about this topic

Are Expectations for Colombia\u27s Oil Sector Too Optimistic?

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\u27s 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\u27s 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 does it compare to other oil-rich Latin American countries such as Brazil? Experts discuss what they think about this topic

How are global biofuels trends changing?

At the end of 2011, the United States overtook Brazil as the world\u27s 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\u27s biofuels production trends and government policies for the sector changing, if at all? What accounts for the two-way ethanol trade between the United States and Brazil

What Is the Role of Natural Gas in the Caribbean Energy Sector?

Last year, Jamaica\u27s 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

Can Argentina block energy development in the Falklands?

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\u27s campaign affect their development

How Will New Tariffs Affect Venezuela\u27s Oil Industry?

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\u27s oil sector in the short- and medium-term? How will the taxes affect the development of Venezuela\u27s Orinoco belt? Are Chávez\u27s social spending projects, funded with oil revenues, achieving lasting results? Experts discuss what they think about this topic

How Will Changes to U.S. Ethanol Subsidies Affect Brazil?

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 take advantage of new ethanol export opportunities abroad? Experts discuss what they think about this topic

What are the implications of Mexico\u27s climate change law?

Mexico\u27s Congress in April passed a landmark climate change law after three years of debate and revisions, Reuters reported. The bill\u27s mandates require that 35 percent of Mexico\u27s energy come from renewable sources by 2024 and carbon emissions must be 50 percent below 2000 levels by 2050, among other requirements. What will be the effects of Mexico\u27s new climate law? Will the energy sector be able to meet the increased demand for renewable power? How do other Latin American countries\u27 future energy plans compare with Mexico, and are they likely to adopt similar legislation? Does the law\u27s passage reflect pessimism about the possibility of a global consensus on climate change mitigation

Will the U.S. Becoming an Ethanol Exporter Affect Brazil?

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

What is the Future of Renewables in Central America?

In January, a consortium of Gamesa and Iberdrola began construction on Central America\u27s largest wind farm, the 102 megawatt Cerro de Hula project in Honduras. Also, the Honduran government said it would invest $2.1 billion between 2010 and 2016 for 52 hydroelectric projects, while Costa Rican President Laura Chinchilla has also said she wants to make her country the first to run 100 percent on renewable energy. What is the state of wind, solar, geothermal and other renewable energy projects in Central America? Given that the price of oil has surpassed$100 per barrel, is it likely that there will be a new push for financing of clean energy projects? What other factors influence investment in Central America\u27s renewable energy sector? Experts discuss what they think about this topic