IBA 2020 Call for Applications Expires in 3 days
Explorer Article
More than 20 years ago, Charles Sternbach found himself on the edge of his seat in a conference room where a handful of geologists were sharing fascinating stories about their discoveries, once thought to be out of reach. And, he walked away knowing one thing: These stories, and many more, must continue to be told. And so began his mission to keep them alive and to keep them coming in a forum he would eventually bring to AAPG called Discovery Thinking.
During these times of global economic uncertainty, political turmoil and climate change discussions, some, both inside and outside the energy industry, question the value of investing in oil and gas exploration. At the same time, new discoveries, technological advances and collaborative partnerships make exploration more exciting than ever. ExxonMobil Exploration Company President Stephen Greenlee addressed these parallel perspectives during “The Future of Oil and Gas Exploration,” the annual Michel T. Halbouty Lecture he delivered at the AAPG Annual Convention and Exhibition in San Antonio in May.
Call it an exploration recovery. Call it a rebound. But it feels like the oil and gas industry is returning to health in fits and starts. That could be because the patient was sicker than we realize. Any measure of how far exploration has come back should take into consideration how far back it started.
With lots of promising prospects, especially off Guyana and Mexico and Brazil, the offshore basins of the Americas continue to roar.
Where are the best opportunities in the future for exploration investment? The central question about where to look, where to drill, which area of the world holds the greatest promise, in terms of profits, the rule going forward may very well be: “When you go low, you go high.”
Explorer Division Column DPA
The Division of Professional Affairs has been busy in the first half of 2019. The DPA’s charge is deepening and expanding geoscience professionalism. We achieve this directive in many ways, one being the strengthening of our business acumen.
What are your resolutions for the new year? I have two suggestions. First, get involved and stay involved with the AAPG. Second, seek certification from the AAPG Division of Professional Affairs. You will not regret keeping these resolutions. It is an investment in your career.
Explorer Emphasis
After years of a brutal industry downturn, Latin American oil and gas is finally starting to get back its strength. But just barely, according to Aditya Ravi, senior analyst for consulting firm Rystad Energy in Oslo. Challenges for the Latin American oil industry include a financial hangover from the oil price collapse, political uncertainties and a struggle to replace declining production. In Latin America, “Brazil and Guyana are the hotspots when it comes to exploration offshore. Until something big comes up in Argentina, it’s unlikely” those provinces will be overshadowed soon, Ravi said.
The world is awash in oil at the moment, but with chronic underinvestment in exploration coupled with global energy demand steadily rising, the stage may be set for an oil price spike in the years to come, according to some analysts. Others, on the other hand, predict that improved production methods and project efficiency will go a long way toward meeting supply demands with existing reserves.
Described as a “hidden gem,” Guyana’s deepwater potential is a winning “lottery ticket” that could transform the nation.
Check back often. "Find an Expert" feature is coming online soon!