Keith Martin, Partner, Chadbourne & Parke
Q: What was the North American project finance bank market in 2014 compared to 2013?
Tom Emmons, Managing Director, Head of Renewable Energy Finance, Americas, Rabobank, New York Branch
A: 2014 was a year of big growth for North American project finance. Volumes were up significantly – 45% from 2013 – $28 billion up to $41 billion. The U.S. was dominant, with 80% of that market. Canada had 15% and Mexico 5%. Sector wise, oil and gas was just under a half of the market, conventional power was about a quarter, and renewables was just under one quarter.
Oil and gas operations are commonly found in remote locations far from company headquarters. Now, it's possible to monitor pump operations, collate and analyze seismic data, and track employees around the world from almost anywhere. Whether employees are in the office or in the field, the internet and related applications enable a greater multidirectional flow of information – and control – than ever before.