7 key issues facing shale gas development in Argentina
The shale gas industry in Argentina is ready to start replicating the success of the US but there are still questions to answer. Below is my list of 7 key issues facing the industry.
REGULATION & MARKET ACCESS
- How will the government create a stable, attractive environment to attract investors and capital to develop shale gas resources?
- What kind of royalty and regulatory regime will incentivise investment and production?
THE ECONOMICS OF SHALE GAS PRODUCTION
- Is Argentina’s shale gas economically viable?
- When will there be clarity on the fiscal regime?
INFRASTRUCTURE CHALLENGES
- What does Argentina need to build in order to make its shale gas industry profitable?
- How will operators, service providers and drilling contractors tackle the lack of rig availability and the commitment to the necessary investment?
WATER, ENVIRONMENT & FLUIDS MANAGEMENT
- Transporting water – are the supplies & infrastructure there?
- How can operators ensure effective water treatment plans?
DRILLLING AND COMPLETIONS
- What can the Argentine shale gas industry learn from the US?
- How can operators minimise costs associated with drilling and completions?
TRAINING AND SKILLS DEVELOPMENT
- How can the talent necessary to commercialise shale oil and shale gas in Argentina be developed?
- What are the most effective strategies for creating employment opportunities and engaging the local population?
COMMUNITY
- What are the lessons learned from shale gas development and effective community engagement in Europe?
- How can the industry engage local communities to ensure their interests are represented and that they benefit from shale development?
Following success in the US the Argentine shale gas industry seems set to take off. What other important questions still need answering?
Find out who are the top 5 influential people in Argentina’s shale gas industry here ›
