SPE DISTINGUISHED LECTURER

Fernando L. Benalcazar

“Oil and Gas Operations – Integrating the Realities of the Social License”

Abstract
Oil and gas are essential parts of a sustainable future. Though these are finite energy resources and sources of greenhouse gas emissions, the world continues to require their production. For this reason, it is imperative that we consider improved industry practices.

To begin, the audience will be presented with the most basic principles of sustainability pertaining to oil and gas operations, including SPE’s position on this matter. When oil is discovered at a location, decisions and guarantees cannot be made without considering the project’s life cycle. Our commitments must be demonstrated consistently along each stage of a project in direct consideration of a sustainable future.

Next, several case studies relating to sustainability, integrating the realities of the social license to operate and operations will be presented to the audience, detailing the required steps for the successful execution of any project facing challenging conditions.

The presentation will conclude by underlining that the inclusion of internal and external stakeholders will only enrich the project and, therefore, pave the road to success. It is our responsibility to create a culture of operational professionalism and reliability through active participation. In order to counterbalance the world’s energy demand, we must produce oil and gas while considering that the more efficiently the energy is produced, the more affordable the energy will be. The oil industry is not only committed to its own sustainability but also to the sustainability of our planet.

Biography
An HSE Manager with PetroEcuador, Fernando L. Benalcazar has been in the oil industry for 25 years and has provided project management and support for numerous international projects in Syria, France, Canada, the US, Oman, Venezuela, Colombia, and Ecuador. Benalcazar focuses on operation excellence, sustainable development, and stakeholder engagement. He also specializes in health, safety, and environment (HSE), local content, capacity building, and new ventures. He has authored or coauthored more than 12 technical papers and holds a MS degree in civil engineering from Alberto Luiz Coimbra Institute for Graduate Studies and Research in Engineering (COPPE) at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. He holds a Certified Safety Professional (CSP) designation in the US and is member of the Board of SPE Sustainable Development Technical Section and has served on it since 2012. He is currently President of SPE Ecuador Section and has acted as member of its Board since 2011. Benalcazar was the chair of a SPE Applied Technology Workshop and of two Latin American and Caribbean regional conferences. He has been a chairperson for the environmental focus area of the SPE International HSSE-SR Advisory Committee since 2015.