Hunting a diversified future

United World talks with Barbara Bruce, President and General Manager of Hunt Oil Company in Peru, about the country’s growth, her company’s strategy, and the future for the US-based oil and gas exploration company in Peru.
How can the hydrocarbon sector improve and invigorate the experience that Peru is currently going through?
In Peru, the hydrocarbon sector is being affected by two issues: One is completely external and there is no way to control it, which is the 60% decline in crude oil prices since last October. The other matter is the internal situation, trying to facilitate the investment and exploration of hydrocarbons in the country, which requires prior consultation since it is connected to a social issue with the communities and environmental permissions.  For the last 4 or 5 years, the hydrocarbon sector has been affected.  Norms are being established for the requirements of prior consultation and we have analyzed the environmental issues; however, these norms are beyond what would be considered as best practice internationally.
What does the private sector demand to institutions like Perupetro?
Perupetro is a partner in the adventure of exploration and, if successful, development of hydrocarbons. In principle, Perupetro requires from the Operator of the License Contract the accomplishment of the minimum work programs established. Institutions like Perupetro and likewise should be interested that the requirements, concepts and contractual frames are competitive with other regions. They should be constantly evaluating how attractive Peru is for investment.
 Why did Hunt Oil settle in Peru?
Hunt came to Peru when an opportunity to invest in Camisea was presented in 2000. The Peruvian State was putting out to tender the exploitation of resources found in 1983-85. It took 20 years to get productive resources to market generating for the State income through royalties and to the local regions canon. Camisea has proven to the world that hydrocarbon extraction can be done when executed under high standards respecting the environment, social and culture.
Hunt Oil is diversifying and they are part of the Peru LNG project.
One of the innovations that Hunt promoted when it joined Camisea was to analyze ways of monetizing the Block 56 gas reserves for the benefit of the government and the Peruvian consumers. Gas export from Block 56 positioned Peru in a new and modern dimension, becoming one of the group of countries entering into the LNG market. This has been a reality for the last 5 years through the well-known Peru LNG project. Hunt is one of the shareholders in Peru LNG together with Shell, SK, and Marubeni. As well as exporting liquefied gas, the possibility of local LNG is being considered for the loading of tanker trucks for distribution within Peru to the national market to distribute LNG to the north and south from the Peru LNG facility in Cañete.
Do you believe that there is much more potential for the transmission of gas in Peru, especially with the National Energy Plan to expand all the pipelines? Do you believe that this will be carried out to expand the coverage from 4% to 21%?
I think it is a good idea to expand the coverage of gas, but I consider it a better idea to look for the gas supply. Without the gas supply, it is impossible to increase the expansion of the pipelines. Nowadays, the only large gas supply is from Camisea. Due to exploration restrictions and the lack of incentive to invest in, we cannot guarantee that additional large fields will be discovered in the future. A strong campaign for the exploration of hydrocarbons, gas and oil is missing; and only then, with some luck, will we find additional oil and gas resources.
What was the criterion used by the country at the level of certain agents of the region such as Colombia or Mexico, regarding the energy reform to attract investors in this sector?
Mexico is choosing an energy reform that Peru chose in the 90s. They have many more assets than Peru and they are going through a learning curve regarding what is attractive and what is not for private investment. The big difference between private and public investment is that the private party has to report results, and better be good ones; otherwise, changes will be made. The role of the government as we understand it today is very important because it is connected to everyone´s welfare. In contrast, in a private company the decision is made thinking if the income is beneficial but if it is not the case, they will not invest.
I understand that Hunt Oil came to Peru to stay. Is that so?
It was clear for Hunt Oil that we are guests in Peru and we really appreciate being given the opportunity to be here. Peru allowed Hunt Oil to bring its knowledge as regards oil and gas exploration and production. We were able to share and explain how hydrocarbons and the modern oil industry can develop in the most sensitive areas with proper care of the environment, social matters and culture. We really believe in prevention when working, respect to our workers and neighbors and to work together with the government and communities.
Block 76 is located in Madre de Dios in a very sensitive area which is between two national parks. We have demonstrated that it is possible to work with transparency and communicating with communities throughout the planning and execution phases. We also brought the know-how and worked to industry best-practice. We managed environmental issues analyzing the biodiversity, implemented pollution prevention measures and developed programs to minimize the environmental impact of the exploration project.
We have established communication links with and complete openness with Peruvian institutions and authorities; we share information and findings with them. Therefore, all parties gain from the experience equally. They help us to understand their needs, we explain them our activities, we learn from one another. It is a great alliance.

For the complete story, check the THE WORLDFOLIO newspaper.