Colombia Energy & Environment Latin America

In-Depth Research & Reports

October 29, 2020

Colombia’s shale resource potential

By John D. Padilla

Oil and gas production is a significant driver of Colombia’s economic growth. With decreased conventional hydrocarbon production in recent years, unconventional shale resources could provide additional revenues from the sector and stimulate growth as the country recovers from COVID-19. But care must be taken to ensure that shale production is environmentally sound and that royalties reach local communities. As the Iván Duque administration prepares to award investigative pilot projects (PPIIs) for shale development in November 2020, the Atlantic Council’s Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center and Global Energy Center launched on October 29 the report “Colombia’s Shale Resource Potential,” the second in the Global Energy Center’s Future of Shale series.

In the report, John D. Padilla explores the necessary conditions for successful shale development in Colombia. He analyzes key global and local factors that will determine whether the country’s abundant shale resources can be developed safely and sustainably. The new report argues that the most important factors that will support sustainable shale development are political will, legal certainty, and a robust, yet flexible, regulatory framework for PPIIs. 

About the author

John D. Padilla is a Managing Director at IPD Latin America. John is an energy sector expert with nearly 30 years of expertise on the consulting and financing side of the business. He has a strong entrepreneurial track record, having led IPD’s expansion into Mexico in 2001 and Colombia in 2009. Based in Bogota, Colombia, since April 2011, John has substantial international experience that extends throughout the region, Asia, and Europe. He is routinely sought out on the consulting and advisory fronts, as well as in the international press, and on the conference circuit.