Event in Argentina debates shale gas exploration

The urgent need to integrate exploration areas to the portfolios of oil companies, both public and private, perpetuates the search for new and abundant geological formations. This search has led professionals and corporations to the farthest corners of the world, including the Arctic and Siberia, as well as massive depths of up to 5,000 meters, as in the Brazilian offshore. Within this context, FGV Energy – Center for Energy Studies joined the “Argentina Shale Gas & Oil Summit” on June 26 and 27, in Buenos Aires.

The Center’s participation in the Summit is part of FGV Energy’s pioneering stance on addressing unconventional hydrocarbon resources, specifically shale gas and oil, promoting transparent and consistent dialog among companies, academia, society, and public authorities. The conference discussed the development and the latest shale gas exploration and production strategies and opportunities in Vaca Muerta, Argentina. The forum gathered O&G professionals to share ideas and opinions and promote scientific and technical knowledge regarding shale oil and gas exploration.

Among several topics, the event discussed the evolution of the gas market and Argentinean financing structures, operational models and challenges, including lessons learned with the U.S., gas monetization technologies, environmental licensing structures, current regulations, and government relations.

FGV Energy’s goal at the event was to understand the evolution of hydrocarbon production, as well as the potential of this specific geological formation, studying the shortest technological learning curve required for its development. The descriptive keys, whether technical or economic, will help bring this know-how to Brazil and promote debate on the subject. Production numbers, as well as the speed of shale exploration projects both in the U.S. and Argentina, confirm not only the potential, but the magnitude of the return on investment.