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

Should the Bolivian Government Have Ended Fuel Subsidies?

On Dec. 26, Bolivian President Evo Morales issued a decree canceling heavy subsidies on gasoline and diesel fuel, citing the heavy preponderance of fuel smuggling across the border, and thus triggered a rise in fuel prices by more than 70 percent. The change was met with widespread protests, riots and a national transport strike. Morales reversed his decision on Dec. 31. Should Morales have ended fuel subsidies in Bolivia? What are the political ramifications for the move and its subsequent reversal? What else can the government do about widespread fuel smuggling? Is the government likely to cut subsidies in the future? Experts discuss what they think about this topic

Is Peru making inroads in oil & gas development?

One of the Humala administration\u27s priorities when coming into office was to accelerate oil and gas development. Peru has seen both successes, such as a large gas find in the Amazon earlier this month, and conflict, including attempts this month by indigenous groups to stop production at nine oil wells operated by Maple Energy. How successful have the country\u27s efforts to develop the oil and gas sector been? What policies, models or strategies should the government consider implementing? Is the administration likely to make inroads with local communities that stand in opposition to such projects and will new consultation laws be effective

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

What is the Outlook for Paraguay\u27s Electricity Sector?

Paraguayan President Fernando Lugo has pledged to guarantee energy sovereignty for the country, claiming that its complicated energy sharing agreements with Brazil and Argentina are unfair. Paraguay is seeking to export excess power to Uruguay, an important source of revenue, but says that Argentine officials have made unreasonable demands. Are the energy sharing agreements unfair and if so, what changes should be made? How successful has Lugo been in negotiating energy sovereignty for Paraguay? Is the dispute with Argentina likely to be resolved soon and allow Paraguay to export energy to Uruguay