An introduction to ARPEL

z  Eng. Jorge Ciacciarelli,

Executive Secretary of ARPEL speaking at the ARPEL Conference 2017.

x  ARPEL’s headquarters

building in Montevideo, Uruguay.

During the Oil and Gas Conference ARPEL 2017 in April, IGU signed a memorandum of understanding with Asociación Regional de Empresas del Sector Petróleo, Gas y Biocombustibles en Latinoamérica y el Caribe (ARPEL), the Regional Association of Oil, Gas and Biofuels Sector Companies in Latin America and the Caribbean. As part of the bilateral agreement ARPEL became the 13th organisation affiliated to IGU.

ARPEL is a non-profit association which brings together oil, gas and biofuels sector companies and institutions across Latin America and the Caribbean. Founded in 1965 to foster cooperation and reciprocal assistance, its main role is to actively contribute to the integration and competitive growth of the industry it serves, and to sustainable energy development in the region.

Its membership currently represents over 90% of upstream and downstream activities in Latin America and the Caribbean including both national and international operating companies, institutions and others active throughout the entire gas value chain.

ARPEL represents the regional industry in dealings with other organisations related to the sector, from international agencies and pro

fessional associations to banks and academia. This work aims to coordinate agendas with other bodies, address emerging situations and promote the region’s vision on energy issues.

Developed by its Committees and Working Groups ARPEL boasts a library of around 300 documents from white papers and guidelines on best practices to studies and statistical databases which are freely available to its membership via the web. Through annual studies the Association provides important benchmarking information on subjects such as industrial safety, environmental performance and process safety. Through workshops, symposia and other related activities ARPEL acts as a forum for the exchange and dissemination of knowledge and best practices.

ARPEL works to build capacities and provides direct technical assistance to its membership, offering courses both in person and online on important and sensitive aspects of the work of the industry in the region including CSR, community relations, human rights and pipeline integrity management.

To provide a space for high-level dialogue, encourage networking and facilitate business development, ARPEL hosts two important events in alternate years. Its regional conference runs in odd-numbered years and provides an opportunity to analyse and the discuss the opportunities and challenges faced by industry in the region. In even-numbered years it hosts LATINVE&P (Latin American Opportunities for Investment in E&P), aiming to identify opportunities for investment and bring together hydrocarbon agencies and the business sector.

For further information visit www.arpel.org.