We spoke with Eng. Ernesto Lopez Anadon, president of the Argentine Institute of Oil and Gas (IAPG), who referred to the Eighth International Exhibition of Oil and Gas (Argentina Oil & Gas Expo 2001) and the Interactive Energy Congress, that will take place from 10 to 13 October at the La Rural exhibition complex.

When and for what purposes is born the International Exhibition of Oil and Gas – Argentina Oil & Gas?

   This exhibition has been running since 1995 with the aim of showing the general public and industry companies operating in the country and internationally, the services available, links between enterprises, operators activities and future plans. We began calling members and non members companies of the Institute to exhibit their work in the country and elsewhere.

   The Argentina Oil & Gas 2011 will occupy the same area as the World Gas Conference 2009 held in our country, but with greater focus on companies that operate and work in Argentina.

   It's a real lucky that the country has this industry. Technology and skilled human capital are not abundant in the world because specialized careers in the field (engineering, geology and geophysics) are suffering sharp declines in the number of participants. Having this potential allows us to face future challenges and continue to develop this important activity for the nation.

What are the results produced in previous editions of the show?

   Like any new activity, the exhibition has been growing. In 1995 we had a total area of ​​13 thousand square meters and reached the 2011 edition with about 35 000 m², which is a net of 14.000 m² of stands, a figure which at first was of 6.400 m². The various exhibitions have attracted large audiences, from 14 thousand to 28 thousand attendees, and we hope to exceed that figure this year.

What are the opportunities offered by this eighth edition to be held from 10 to 13 October at La Rural ? Which countries will be present?

   It will provide an opportunity to get in touch with the industry, operating companies, to announce plans for the future, the technologies we have and how they are applied in the country, to make a network to interact and provide services or purchase, and create opportunities for many small and medium enterprises in the sector. Also, this event will have an overview about oil and gas future in Argentina.

   Many countries have confirmed their presence, such as Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Ecuador, United States, India, Italy, Mexico, Netherlands, Peru, Russia, Taiwan, Uruguay and Venezuela. In many cases these companies are operating in the country and others could come to offer their services or see what opportunities are here.

How was born the First Congress Interactive Energy to be held in conjunction with the exhibition? What are the major issues to be addressed?

   This first Congress arose from the need to think how the country should project its energy supply through a menu of possibilities that exist in Argentina and the world, because not all is oil and gas. While the world is planning to meet future energy needs based on oil, gas and coal, also deals with other energies such as renewables, biofuels, nuclear and hydro. In our country most of the field of energy is oil and gas, but there is a plan to incorporate renewable, and another to expand the supply of electricity through nuclear power. We wanted to bring the public the different options currently available, as well as efficiency and energy conservation must be built into any future energy planning, which is what the world is doing. Argentina can achieve significant savings with plans well established in the area.

   We will start the first day with the efficiency and energy conservation, the second convened experts in oil, gas and coal, and the third treat topics related to nuclear and renewable energy. All this discussion, thanks to advances in electronics, will be interacting with the public. At the start of each session will be able to know the profile of participants through an electronic device. Before each presentation, there will be five questions for the audience to know how it thinks, make-up and listens to their concerns.

What does it mean for the Argentine Institute of Oil and Gas to be in charge of organizing these events?

   First, a lot of work but it is a pleasure that the industry put its trust in the Institute for organizing such events, which reflect the magnitude of the activity in the country. Every two years, we renew efforts to improve, enlarge and give the opportunity for all to participate in the exhibition.

How is the global energy situation? What is the role of natural gas?

   I am very optimistic because the world still has many resources of oil, gas and coal. There are technologies that can eliminate CO2 emissions and greenhouse gases, which will allow long-term use of fossil fuels for electricity generation, transportation, etc. The world does not face a crisis because it has really begun early to produce these renewable systems that will give its energy supply. Although today are not efficient and inexpensive that one wishes in the future will be able to compete with the flexibility and efficiency of fossil fuel based systems.

   According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), the gas will enter a golden age because it overcomes many barriers to their advancement. On the geopolitical, they were gone the impediments based on the gas concentration in a few countries, while the ideological barriers were to think about gas as an old and polluting resource. In addition, there are efficiency issues being investigated and will expand its applications, for which I accept what the agency says. For example, for use in vehicles is an important fuel because it emits the least, and is the most efficient and flexible. If you manage to expand the applications of gas, especially coupled with the exploitation of unconventional reservoirs, it will generate a larger market which will allow entry to the golden age.

What is your opinion about reality of natural gas in Argentina?

   Natural gas in Argentina is a reality. We exceeded 52% of primary energy mix so we have a country that emits less but is very dependent on the fluid. Argentina has created an infrastructure to move gas across the country, which for example has enabled the natural gas for vehicles. Many countries can not implement the CNG to vehicles because they have no way to supply them along their journey. Also relevant is the level of Argentine professionals.

   The gas supply has not diminished basically over the past years but has been a small decline. All studies and developments on unconventional reservoirs, with the investments and technologies required, offer opportunities to grow the domestic supply. We can also rely on imports, as other countries do, without having to tear the clothes for it. Liquefied natural gas (LNG) was first used in 1964 and grew a lot in Asia, America and Europe, and welcome its arrival in America because it is the way to globalize the gas and help to enter the golden age of the fluid.