The Southern Caribbean Energy Matrix and the Consequences of the Regional Push for Renewable Energy

• Published in: Policy File 2021
• Main Author: Bryan, Anthony T
• Format: Report
• Language: English
• Subjects: Energy; Latin American and the Caribbean Center, Florida International University

The current energy landscape of the Southern Caribbean and Northern South America is complex. The Guyana-Suriname Basin (GSB) is emerging as the Holy Grail of new oil provinces. In trying to achieve cooperation in energy security and complete the transition from dependence on fossil fuels, there are game changing financial opportunities for the Southern Caribbean and Northern South America. Concurrently, there are serious challenges and impacts on domestic economies, political governance, energy security, geopolitics, regional and international cooperation, and environmental protections. Continued investment by the international oil companies (IOCs) in the GSB, and national oil company (NOC) investment in northern South America are the current exceptions to the global trend of a shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy. Oil and gas will be around for decades to come, but the warning signs are clear. We are witnessing a dress rehearsal for a structural decline in the oil and gas industry that can threaten traditional resource development models. Agencies in the GSB countries responsible for the petroleum sector, finance ministries involved in planning, and political leaders will need to adjust their goals and acknowledge the risks inherent in this volatile sector. It is important for them to understand the changes, work with different scenarios to support their planning, and update their policies and systems. A more fundamental re-evaluation of policy goals may also be necessary. The risks associated with fiscal dependence on the fossil fuel sector should be clearly understood. The old mantra of economic diversification is emphasized.