Recognizing the strategic importance of natural gas to countries’ energy plans, the last in a series of ECPA forums will focus on the “Impact of Expanded Natural Gas Resources on the Energy Future of the Americas.” The forum will take place at OAS headquarters on Wednesday, July 30, starting at 2:00 p.m.

Natural gas is viewed as a bridge fuel to a carbon-zero economy. It has considerable potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from energy generation, because it releases less than half the CO₂ emissions of coal as well as fewer pollutants into the atmosphere.

Several countries in the Americas have abundant conventional and unconventional natural gas reserves. Historically, conventional gas has been the focus of most of the energy industry’s exploration; however, most of the growth in supply in recent years comes from unconventional formations such as tight gas, coal bed methane, gas hydrates, and shale gas.

The upcoming forum will address four main topics: natural gas and liquid natural gas as a transition toward low-carbon energy sources; trans-boundary pipelines and other interconnections; integration and governance as fundamental components for energy diversification and climate change mitigation; and liquid natural gas and hydropower as sources for a more balanced energy mix for electricity generation.

The OAS Department of Sustainable Development, in its capacity as ECPA Clearinghouse, will host the event, which will bring together representatives of the OAS member states, academics, field experts, and officials from nongovernmental organizations, among other guests. They will be encouraged to engage in an open debate with guest speakers and the ECPA Clearinghouse team about the future of natural gas in the region’s geopolitical context.

This is the fourth in a series of forums designed to foster debate and promote better public understanding on topics related to energy and climate change. By facilitating a balanced analysis and convening a wide range of participants, the ECPA Clearinghouse helps shape policies that promote the transition to low-carbon economies by encouraging economically, socially, and environmentally responsible development of natural resources.

To RSVP for this event, please contact Alejandra Henao, ahenaop@oas.org