Venezuela’s hydrocarbon base remains one of the largest globally. The country holds an estimated 303 billion barrels of crude oil reserves, the world’s largest, alongside roughly 195 trillion cubic feet of natural gas reserves, most of which is currently underutilized due to infrastructure and investment constraints.

Recent policy shifts have sparked new attention to these resources. U.S. licensing measures now allow select foreign companies to operate Venezuelan crude and gas assets, opening the door to renewed investment and potential gas development, including future LNG export opportunities.

Caribbean nations are closely monitoring the situation. Many states face high energy import costs and limited infrastructure, making energy security and diversification urgent priorities. Venezuela’s presence at CEW positions the country to actively engage in regional discussions, offering a platform to explore practical solutions for shared energy challenges and opportunities for collaboration.

A central challenge is how to transform Venezuela’s vast associated gas volumes into commercially viable uses. Historically, most gas has been reinjected during oil production rather than monetized, constrained by limited storage, pipelines and export capacity.

Renewed interest in gas is fueled by regional shifts. Trinidad & Tobago, a longtime LNG hub, faces declining domestic gas availability, while international firms see potential in Venezuelan offshore gas projects. Projects such as Shell’s Dragon development – recently licensed for exploration and linked to Atlantic LNG facilities in Trinidad – illustrate concrete opportunities for regional integration.

At the same time, investors are watching Venezuela’s legal and regulatory environment closely. Structural reforms have aimed to attract more foreign participation, but clarity on contracts, arbitration rights and fiscal terms remains a work in progress.

Against this backdrop, Venezuelan officials at CEW are expected to provide insight on policy direction, hydrocarbon strategy and regional engagement. Caribbean leaders and investors will be watching how Caracas positions itself – as a partner in gas initiatives, a supplier of crude, or both.

With major discoveries offshore in Guyana and Suriname reshaping regional supply potential, the Caribbean stands at a crossroads where longstanding energy relationships intersect with new growth opportunities. Venezuela’s engagement at CEW, leveraging its vast resource base and emerging investment interest, signals a renewed role in a regional energy ecosystem where producers, consumers and policymakers can address common goals collaboratively.

Join us in shaping the future of Caribbean energy. To participate in this landmark event, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com.