Released last night (27), the Investment Plan of PetroBrazil plans to allocate US$13 billion to initiatives involving energy transition, an amount that represents approximately 11,9% of the total US$109 billion that the company intends to invest between 2026 and 2030, around 1,8% less than what was planned in the previous plan, which totaled US$111 billion between 2025 and 2029.
In solar, onshore wind and what the PetroBrazil classifies investments as "other," but they are expected to reach US$1,78 billion in the new plan, although the previous version allocated US$4,3 billion to these sources. The current estimate is to deploy 1,7 GW of electricity generation, either through partnerships or through mergers and acquisitions (M&A).
US$400 million will be allocated to hydrogen production, while US$900 million will go to CCUS (Carbon Capture, Use and Storage), Corporate Venture Capital and "other" initiatives.
Specifically regarding low-carbon hydrogen, initial priority is given to pilot projects and smaller-scale plants. One example is the pilot plant in Rio Grande do Norte, with 2 MW of electrolysis and a planned start-up in 2026.
The plan indicates that hydrogen can serve both to meet domestic decarbonization demands and for future industrial and logistical applications, as the Brazilian market evolves in the regulatory and technological fields.
Biofuels and biorefining
In the area of decarbonization, involving operational emissions, the company accounts for US$4,3 billion, while in bioproducts there are projected investments of US$2,2 billion for ethanol, US$1,5 billion for biorefining, and a further US$1,1 billion for biodiesel and biomethane.
In addition to these amounts, there is also a provision for US$1,2 billion allocated to R&D (Research, Development and Innovation) involving low-carbon projects.
The state-owned company's strategy includes partnerships, refinery upgrades, and the implementation of units dedicated to the production of renewable fuels. In biodiesel and biomethane, for example, the company highlights synergies with its current infrastructure and the possibility of meeting growing demands from industry and heavy transport, as well as the opportunity to reduce natural gas imports by expanding the supply of biomethane.
The plan also points to opportunities in ethanol, especially because of the advancement of the blending mandate and the potential for national production. Petroarm It projects gains by operating through minority stakes in leading companies, reducing risks in entering the segment and accelerating market access.
Furthermore, it considers ethanol as a strategic input for sustainable aviation fuels (SAF)In parallel, it mentions business models focused on reverse logistics, direct supply, and integration with carbon capture technologies.
The approach to biorefining includes both co-processing projects in existing refineries and the construction of dedicated plants. The plan lists units such as RPBC and Boaventura, with entry into operation planned from 2029, intended for the production of bio-jet fuel and renewable diesel.
Gradual transition
A PetroBras states that the integration between refineries and biomass will allow it to offer products with a smaller carbon footprint and expand its operations in segments that are still difficult to electrify, such as aviation and shipping.
A PetroBras justifies this set of initiatives as part of a gradual adaptation to the energy transition scenario. Without altering its position as an integrated oil and gas company, it notes, the idea is to expand its presence in renewable energy segments, lower-emission fuels, and decarbonization technologies, structuring a more diversified portfolio for the coming years.
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