• During the course of the day, various experts spoke about the latest progress by the international negotiation process on climate change and the recent agreement to reduce emissions signed between the United States and China, the two countries that produce the highest volumes of pollution.
  • Through its foundation, GAS NATURAL FENOSA promotes information, training and increased public awareness on improving energy efficiency and technological innovation in the field of energy.


The Spanish Minister for Agriculture, Food and Environmental Affairs, Isabel García Tejerina, and the Chairman of GAS NATURAL FENOSA, Salvador Gabarró, officially opened the 13th International Conference on Energy and the Environment "Domestic energy resources, competitiveness and the environment" organised by the Gas Natural Fenosa Foundation in Madrid today, at which various speakers analysed the energy resources to be found in Spain, as well as their use and consumption to reduce overseas dependency and improve the country's economic and business competitiveness in the global market.

The Director-General of the Spanish Climate Change Bureau, Susana Magro, explained the progress made in the international negotiation process on climate change and highlighted the far-reaching significance of the recent agreement to reduce emissions signed between the United States and China, which are together responsible for over half of all greenhouse gases. This agreement has raised expectations for the upcoming summits in Lima (2014) and Paris (2015).

Energy resources in Spain: The physical and economic perspective

The Professor of Energy Resources from the University of Barcelona, Mariano Marzo, analysed the situation in Spain from a physical point of view on existing energy resources, placing a particular focus on the opportunities now opening up to drill for "non-conventional" oil and gas at sea in some parts of Spain.

In turn, the Senior Partner and Managing Director of the Global Leader Energy Practice of Boston Consulting Group, Iván Martén, explained the key role played by energy prices in industrial sectors and warned of the current loss of competitiveness in European industry vis-à-vis the United States. In this regard, he stressed that the cost of subsidies and taxes in energy tariffs is greater in Spain than in the rest of Western Europe and compared the energy models of Germany and the United States, the latter benefiting from the development of shale gas.

Energy resources in Spain: The environmental and social perspective

The Vice-President for Oil and Gas Business Development at URS Corporation, John F. Damanti, adopted an environmental approach to explaining a number of solutions aimed at offsetting the environmental impacts caused by extracting and using fossil fuels throughout the life cycle of these products. In turn, the Chairman of the Spanish Association of Oil and Gas Research, Exploration and Production Companies (ACIEP), Antonio Martín, said that most people believe it is important for Spain to generate most of the energy it consumes. To achieve that goal, he said it is fundamental to raise awareness in society and count on support from all government agencies, especially those operating at a local level.

The experience of Brazil and the United States

The former Director of Repsol in Brazil and Libya, Graciano Rodríguez, highlighted how the oil industry and tourism can be compatible if technical, economic and environmental aspects are valued highly. Finally, Engineering Manager Fracturing & Stimulation at British Petroleum, Martin Rylance, described the fracking technique used to obtain non-conventional gas and explained the enormous impact that shale gas has had in the United States and the global energy market.

The seminar, which was attended by over 200 expert professionals from the energy and energy resources sector, was officially closed by the Managing Director of the Gas Natural Fenosa Foundation, Martí Solà.

The Gas Natural Fenosa Foundation.

Founded in 1992, the Gas Natural Fenosa Foundation targets its activity at the promotion of information, training and increased social awareness on improving energy efficiency and technological innovation in the field of energy while respecting and protecting the environment, and promotes cultural activities through the Gas Museum aimed at preserving and spreading knowledge about the historical and cultural heritage of the sector. Its international operations take place in Algeria, Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Mexico, Morocco, Italy and Moldova.


Madrid, 17 November 2014

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