HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The implications of and challenges associated with shale gas development in North America and other parts of the world, as well as challenges post-Macondo, will be the main focus of AIPN’s 2011 Spring Conference. The technological revolution that “has made the North American market nearly self sufficient in natural gas is likely to keep domestic supplies stable in Europe in the face of declining conventional production,” said Jonathan Parry, IHS Cambridge Energy Research Associates, Director of global gas. Industry leaders, experts and advisors will discuss these emerging trends and hot topics affecting global negotiators April 13-15, in San Antonio, Texas.
Several sessions will explore global shale issues and offer key insights into the future expansion of shale gas production, the global implications of shale gas and above ground challenges companies face in pursuit of this resource.
“To use a trite phrase, shale is a game changer, and it can bring substantial economic gain as well as clear security of supply benefits,” said Dr. Kenneth B. Medlock, Rice University. “Thus it is incumbent upon producers to meet any environmental challenges, while at the same time driving forward with cost reducing innovations to ensure profitability. Altogether, this will put shale gas development front and center in the world of energy for years to come.”
The implications of the Macondo oil spill, for companies in offshore and deepwater in the US and abroad, is another key topic of the conference, and will feature Nancy Kete from the National Commission on the BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill. In addition, Chair of the Texas Railroad Commission, Elizabeth Ames-Jones, will offer a local perspective on the role Texas plays in deepwater petroleum exploration and development technology.
Others topics include how companies will respond to the need to have spill containment systems ready to respond to a deepwater well-control loss; whether global standards will evolve and if that will be reflected in regulations and contracting; how long the oil and gas price multiple will stay disconnected from its historical relationship and what the root causes of that disconnect are; what tools are available to negotiators to stay ahead of potential legal issues related to dispute resolution; and the ever-present concern of transparency and corruption related to international petroleum transactions.
This highly topical conference will be held at the Westin Riverwalk Hotel and promises to be an insightful and productive event for international negotiators, attorneys, deal makers, and educators.
For additional information and online registration: http://aipn.org/Events/SC2011.aspx
About AIPN (http://www.aipn.org)
The AIPN is a not-for-profit association founded in 1981 to enhance the professionalism of international energy negotiators by providing valuable tools, educational programs and networking opportunities to its 3,000 members, located in more than 90 countries.