Insights Hub
Indonesia’s Oil and Gas Sector Seeks Greater Foreign Investment
With a need to increase foreign direct investment in its hydrocarbons sector to reach future targets, in recent years Indonesia has been revamping its oil and gas infrastructure and project development, placing it as a key player to invest in Southeast Asia.
Strategic Energy Projects in the Balkans
The following article will touch base on some of the strategic oil and gas, LNG and gas infrastructure, renewable energy, and hydrogen projects currently placing the Balkans’ as a key region between Asian, African and European energy markets.
Lessons Learnt from COP27
COP27 was dubbed the Africa COP and the implementation COP. It provided an opportunity to table issues critical to the continent and a chance to turn the words, drawn up at COP26, into action. The following article will cover the main highlights achieved during the latest edition of this important event.
Interview with Cannacord Genuity on the Importance of Educating the Argentine Lithium Industry
The following is an interview with Cannacord Genuity on the importance of the mining and metals industry for the company, emerging lithium trends in Argentina, women entrepreneurship, and the company's short to medium goals in the country.
BP Signs MoU with Mauritania’s Government
On November 8 2022, during the COP27 Climate Summit in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, BP signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Mauritanian government whereby the 2 parties will collaborate on research and development as well as project rollout regarding large-scale green hydrogen production in the country.
Strategic Services Propelling Mauritania Onto the Global Stage
The following article will touch base on the relationship forged in the past few months between the British energy consulting firm IN-VR, and Mauritania’s Ministry of Petroleum, Mines and Energy (MPME) in order to help position the West African nation at the forefront of the energy transition.
Interview with Mariano Mercado, Commercial Manager at Contreras
The following is an interview with Mariano Mercado, Commercial Manager at Contreras, touching base on the company's role in Argentina's lithium industry, services offered, and short-to-medium term objectives in this country.
A Historical Maritime Border Agreement in the Mediterranean
Lebanese President Michel Aoun and Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid recently signed a maritime border demarcation agreement on 27 October 2022. The United States-brokered pact will allow the 2 nations to share offshore energy exploration fields and marks a diplomatic end to decades of hostility between the two countries, which are technically at war.
The Uruguayan Open Round for Onshore and Offshore E&P, and Offshore Green Hydrogen and Wind Tender Rounds
The following article will cover in-depth information on the 2022 Open Uruguay Round, as well as details on the proposed Uruguayan offshore green hydrogen and wind tender rounds that would take place next year.
Interview with Ademir Ramírez, Director Minerals & Metals at Ausenco
The following is an interview with Ademir Ramírez, Director Minerals & Metals at Ausenco, touching base on the company's role in Argentina's mining sector, new technologies being incorporated, sustainability and ESG performance, and short-to-medium term objectives in this country.
Oman’s New Green Hydrogen Regime
Both the government and foreign investors have recognised Oman’s potential to develop green hydrogen (based on renewable energy sources). In 2020, the country initiated plans for its first green hydrogen project as more countries and firms look to clean fuels to help solve the challenge of decarbonising economies.
USD $2 Billion Expected to be Raised by Ecuador’s XIII Oil Round
In October 2022, the Ecuadorian Minister of Energy and Non-Renewable Natural Resources, Xavier Vera, announced that 16 international oil companies are potentially interested in investing in 6 exploratory blocks in Ecuador that could add up to 24,000 barrels of crude per day to national output.
Morocco: How to Succeed in Decarbonizing an Economy and Reaching Climate Resilience Targets
The following article will touch base on Morocco’s regional leadership in energy-related investment, focusing on renewables, green hydrogen, and European and African cooperation to decarbonize its national economy, and reach its climate resilience targets.
Highlighting the Sierra Leone Basin’s Potential: a Geological Approach
Recent successful deep water discoveries in South America, significantly better reservoir quality than previously indicated, and an increase in deep water global investments, all point towards Sierra Leone and the Sierra Leone Basin being an excellent opportunity to enter the exciting area of the Equatorial Atlantic Margin.
Developing an Enduring Timorese Local Content
For the past decade, IN-VR has been working closely with the Timorese government to help boost local content participation and contend the ever growing involvement of International Energy Companies (IECs) throughout the island. The following are some of the initiatives led by both parties in the past few years, as well as some of the topics discussed during the latest IN-VR energy and mining summit conducted in Timor-Leste.
Main Projects Propelling Uganda in Eastern Africa
Since 2018 Uganda has been protagonist to a series of upstream, midstream and downstream projects that have led it to become a prospective oil nation in Eastern Africa. The following article will touch base on the country’s Tilenga and Kingfisher projects and the subsequent East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP), as well as the Albertine Graben Refinery Consortium (AGRC), and the Kabaale (Hoima) Industrial Park.
Mozambique, the World’s Newest LNG-Producing Country
Following the introduction of feed gas to the plant in June 2022, Coral-Sul FLNG started producing LNG on October 2 2022 from the 3.4 million tonnes per annum facility, adding Mozambique to the LNG-producing countries.
Mauritania's LNG Wealth as a Mean to Boost Economic Growth and Address Regional Challenges
The African country is positioning itself as a major player in the gas market. The development of this industry could have a favourable impact on the national economy if the government plays its cards right.
Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan
Nigeria, already a political and economic leader on the continent, seeks to take the lead in just and equitable climate action. The following article will focus on the country’s Energy Transition Plan (ETP), which plans to help the nation achieve carbon neutrality by 2060.
Sierra Leone’s Recent Performance Developments
Recent developments in Sierra Leone, primarily driven by economic growth, among other important factors, have all allowed the country to design a medium-term strategy that will likely bolster its performance among Western African countries.
Europe’s Natural Gas Strategy Amidst Russian Gas Flow Halts
The European Union’s (EU) natural gas import dependency from outside of the EU was 84% in 2020, with Russia supplying 40% of total imports of natural gas. Taking the current Russia-Ukraine-NATO crisis, the following article will touch base on the efforts currently being taken by the European continent in order to mitigate risks and reduce its foreign dependency on natural gas in the short-to-middle-term.
Securing Self-supply and Energy Development in Argentina Through the Gas.Ar 4 and Gas.Ar 5 Plans
In September 2022, the Argentine government announced the extension until 2028 of the natural gas production incentive scheme that will guarantee up to 14 million cubic meters per day to supply the Néstor Kirchner pipeline. The construction of the Néstor Kirchner Gas Pipeline is a clear sign that the country is moving forward in the consolidation of the infrastructure that will guarantee the domestic supply and the availability of exportable gas from the qualitative increase in production.
Argentina to Compete in the Global Lithium Battery Production Market
In August 2022, the President of Y-TEC (YPF-Tecnología), Roberto Salvarezza, stated that next December the production of cells for lithium batteries will start in Argentina, a project deployed by YPF that aims to develop "from the salt flats to the batteries". The following article will review the company’s plans ahead of this important decision.
Colombia’s Safe Wager on Geothermal Energy
Given that Colombia aims to reduce its carbon emissions by 51% by 2030 and to be carbon neutral by 2050, the country has invested heavily in becoming the region’s leader when it comes to energy transition. Leaving other Non-Conventional Renewable Energy Sources aside, the country’s geothermal potential is evident, and has recently attracted the attention of the public and private sectors alike.
Colombia’s Leading Roadmaps for Regional Leadership in Energy Transition
Although Colombia has had an exponential growth in regards to solar and wind projects in the past few years, the country’s green landscape is expected to continue to grow through the development of hydrogen and offshore wind projects. The following article will touch base on the potential and advances made in each of these segments.
Mauritania: A-to-Z on the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) Project
Greater Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) is an offshore Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) project based on upstream gas production in 2km-deep waters on the maritime border of Mauritania and Senegal. It is the deepest offshore project in Africa till date. The following article will guide you on the most important features of this project.
Suriname, South America's Next Jackpot?
After Guyana’s oil and gas boom in the region, Suriname’s shallow and deepwater offshore blocks have been targeted by majors including TotalEnergies, Shell, and NOC Staatsolie. With multi billion discoveries being made in its neighbouring country, Suriname could easily be the continent’s next jackpot.
A Bold Message to O&G Investors From the Argentine Minister of Economy While Visiting Nequén
The head of the Argentine Treasury announced from Neuquén a package of measures to boost investments in the oil industry, the most relevant being a scheme so that companies that increase production have free availability of foreign currency as of 2023. He also delved into the second stage of the Néstor Kirchner gas pipeline, Plan Gas 5 and offshore.
Cyprus and its Bet on Natural Gas in the Mediterranean
The following article will cover Cypriot KODAP’s current plans and future projects, the island’s proposed switch to natural gas, and renewables in transport, and the recent offshore gas discovery made by TotalEnergies and Eni off the country’s coast that could boost Cyprus’ commitment to natural gas in years to come.
Interview with Smart Wires’ Joaquin A. Peirano, on the Company’s Plans to Spearhead Electric Interconnection in LATAM
The following is an interview with Joaquin A. Peirano, General Manager - LATAM at Smart Wires, on the Argentine electricity grid, the company’s technology and contribution in Argentina to increase reliability and alleviate congestion, as well as some of their previously developed projects worldwide.
Mauritania, the Next Global Gas Hub
The following article will touch base on Mauritania’s recent oil and gas discoveries and the projects that are expected to make the northwestern African nation the next global gas hub, specifically with Europe searching for alternative gas suppliers.
Interview With Max Torres, Founder at Upstream O&G Consulting Firm Plata Energy
The following is an interview with Max Torres, Founder at upstream oil and gas consulting firm Plata Energy, where we discuss Argentina's hydrocarbons sector and maximizing its potential, the company's technical and commercial practices implemented in Latin America, M&As in the region, the importance of local content, challenges that must be overtaken by Argentina in order to progress, and the company's main objectives in the short-to-medium term.
The following is an interview with Sun Jun, Manager at BGP Inc. China National Petroleum Corporation (BGP), where we discuss the company's current global strategy, its products and services portfolio, their influence on reaching energy transition and Net-Zero targets, key projects and main objectives in Argentina and the region in the next few years.
Argentina, a Lithium Mecca in Latin America
As the EV market had a 43% global rise in sales between 2019 and 2020, demand for specific resources such as lithium continues to rise; countries like Argentina are rushing to extract this rare metal throughout the country, and possibly become one of the mining meccas of Latin America. The following article will touch base on the importance of lithium, Argentina’s role in the lithium industry, as well as some of the most important projects, investments and M&As in the country.
Ghana’s Growing LNG Scope
As stated by the Ghanaian Ministry of Energy, Ghana’s oil and gas sector received a total of USD $666.39 million in 2020, contributing 7% of the government’s total revenue for that year alone. These figures are expected to rise through new discoveries and cutting-edge LNG projects that are currently part of the country’s energy pipeline; the following article will touch base on these projects.
Ecuador, Doubling Down on Oil Production While Focusing on Renewables to Appease a Growing Energy Demand
The following article will touch base on Ecuador’s new oil and gas deals, Petroecuador, the Ecuadorian NOC’s, plan to double oil production in the next few years, as well as the country’s use of renewable energy sources to appease a growing energy demand throughout the country.
The Argentine Electricity Grid: Increasing Reliability and Alleviating Congestion Through Innovative Technology
The following article covers the complex Argentine electricity transmission network and the need for smart grids, and how international technology providers are currently tackling this issue around the globe by increasing reliability of this critical infrastructure and alleviating system congestion.
Sierra Leone Bidding Investor Guide
As part of Sierra Leone’s Bidding Investor Guide, the following article will cover the country’s exploration history, geology, current block status and promising prospects, information regarding the country’s licensing process, as well as some frequently asked questions asked by interested parties.
Rwanda, a Possible Energy Front-Runner in East Africa
Although Rwanda currently relies on imports of oil and gas from international sources, a sound Petroleum Law, new energy strategies such as the replacement of biomass with LPG and a CNG project in Lake Kivu might just position the Easter African nation as a future front-runner in the continent's energy market.
Argentina’s Energy Sector, a Clear Beneficiary of Bilateral Relations with China
China is Argentina's main trading partner and since a few years back has been increasing its investments in energy. The following article will touch base on Argentina’s recent entry to China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), China’s interest in boosting Argentina’s energy transition, as well as some of the investments and bilateral projects between both countries.
Bolivia: Gas, Exports and Future Projects
Although current hydrocarbon production in Bolivia is low when compared to neighbouring countries, state-owned NOC YPFB is committed to secure domestic demand through JVs with private international players, increase the country’s GDP through gas sales to Brazil and Argentina, and increase onshore project development in the regions of Santa Cruz, Cochabamba, Chuquisaca, Tarija, Beni and Pando.
Upcoming African Energy Projects and Investments
Africa’s energy sector keeps on expanding as it continues to attract investment from investors and International Oil Companies (IOCs) alike. The following is a breakdown of key energy projects and investments taking place throughout the African continent, destined to begin operations in the short-to-medium term.
Understanding Ghana's Regulatory Framework
The following article will touch base on Ghana’s current ease of doing business scores, as well as the country’s internal regulatory framework for the petroleum industry present in Ghana or interested in doing business in it.
Angola, Africa’s new Heavyweight Hydrocarbons Producer
Angola continues to surprise and lead in the African continent. The OPEC member has become Africa’s largest oil producer, overtaking Nigeria, after a series of discoveries across the last few years. The nation not only boasts a wealth of world-class projects operated by leading international companies in the industry, it has revitalised its bidding process to increase transparency and initiated regional cooperation in the downstream sector. The nation bears all the hallmarks for successful investment.
Ghana: Bolstering Local Content and Optimising Technology Transfer
Ghana’s upstream oil and gas activities dominate the debate on local content policies. This has led the country in recent years to pay special attention on technology transfer towards Indigenous Ghanaian Companies (IGCs), in order to revamp their participation in this important segment of the country’s economy.
Recent Solar Energy Projects and Investments in Asia-Pacific
The following is a breakdown of recent solar energy projects and investments in the Asia-Pacific region, which are expected to come online in the next few months/years.
Upcoming Latin American Energy Projects and Investments
The following is a breakdown of influential energy projects and investments taking place in 5 Latin American countries, destined to begin operations in the next few years.
Sierra Leone: Reaching Success Through Data, Following in the Footsteps of Neighbouring Countries and Regional Collaboration
Sierra Leone continues to focus on attracting investment towards its offshore exploration endeavours through International Oil Companies (IOCs), aiming at previously acquired data, understanding and pursuing recent E&P success stories in other Western African countries, and further developing relationships with its neighbours.
Uruguay, Land of Conventional and Non-Conventional Opportunities
Uruguay is mostly known as a non-hydrocarbon producing nation, but growth in exploration in the past decade, plus an enviable experience in finalising energy negotiations, have positioned the country perfectly to engage international E&P companies and investors in green energy. The nation, situated between the continental giants of Argentina and Brazil, has a longstanding history of self-sufficiency, and is currently looking to counter the strains in the global hydrocarbon supply chain by investing heavily in its own resources.
Interview with the Caltech Group, a Timorese Pioneer
In this interview, Sheila Abilio Corte Real de Caldas, Co-founder, Proprietor & Advisor at the Caltech Group, discusses the company's extensive experience in the Timorese market, highlighted projects, the importance of local talent, achieving Net-Zero ambitions and their most recent objectives on the island.
Algeria's Search for Foreign Partners and New Opportunities
The following article will guide you through the hydrocarbon treasure trove on the banks of the Mediterranean, new regulatory changes, Sonatrach's immense local participation, opportunities for European, Asian and U.S. oil and gas companies, and a must needed shift to shale.
Argentinian Offshore Exploration, Key Element for Self-Sufficiency and Global Energy Participation
Positive results over its internal offshore E&P debate, current concession extensions, and increasing institutional support, all point towards Argentina becoming a self-sufficient energy producer and a global energy player.
Interview with the Petroleum Directorate of Sierra Leone on the 5th Offshore Licensing Round
In this interview, the Director General of The Petroleum Directorate of Sierra Leone (PDSL), Mr. Foday Mansaray, sat down with IN-VR to discuss the announcement of the nation’s newest and most exciting Licensing Round.
Sierra Leone, a New Decade of Exploration and Discoveries
The Petroleum Directorate of Sierra Leone’s recent announcement of its 5th Licensing Round has turned heads within investment circles due to the vast extent of acreage on offer & this acreage’s prospectivity. Sierra Leone’s new dawn is attracting immediate attention for the following reasons
Ghana, the Rising Star in the West
Added to a continuous government participation, political and economic stability, and a constantly growing GDP, updates in LNG, downstream, renewables, Net-Zero targets and lithium are beginning to place Ghana on the map.
Interview with Brazil's ANP
In this interview, Ronan Ávila, Deputy Superintendent of Geological and Economic Assessment - SAG at the Brazilian National Agency of Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels (ANP) discusses Brazil’s third permanent offer bid round, ongoing onshore and offshore opportunities, and the expected effects of the country’s New Gas Law.
Saudi Arabia's Downstream Developments: a Rising Downstream Kingdom
Following its USD $2 trillion market cap and an average production of 9.2 million barrels of oil per day in 2020, Saudi Aramco is paving the way for KSA's downstream segment.
Ivory Coast, The New African Contender
In September 2021 ENI had a major oil and gas offshore discovery in its CI-101 Block, which is expected to enter production in Q2 2023.
How Argentina is Changing its Gas Industry for Investors
One of the biggest priorities in the Argentinian energy agenda is the development of a gas and energy transition-focused industry, generating new projects and incoming LNG investment.
Brazilian Pre-Salt: A Gateway to Opportunities and Investment in 2022
Brazil has become one of the leading players in the oil and gas industry. What has made the country such an attractive country for investment?
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