Brazil is well-positioned to expand its prominence as a global energy supplier in an international landscape marked by conflicts, logistical insecurity, and the need for source diversification. This assessment was made this morning by the president of the Brazilian Petroleum, Gas and Biofuels Institute (IBP), Roberto Ardenghy, during the LIDE Energy Seminar.

In his address, Ardenghy stated that global geopolitics impose new challenges on energy supply, but also open opportunities for countries with reserves, production capacity, and a diversified matrix, such as Brazil. According to him, oil will remain relevant in the global economy in the coming decades, even amidst the progress of the energy transition.

"Oil will continue to be very important, it will remain relevant in the world economy," Ardenghy stated. He highlighted that about 80% of the world's primary energy still comes from coal, oil, and natural gas, which makes the energy transition a long, complex process subject to economic and social impacts.

The president of the IBP argued that the climate debate and energy security must advance in an integrated manner. According to him, the oil and gas sector is already equipped to produce oil with low greenhouse gas emissions, especially CO₂, while simultaneously contributing to the global market supply.

Ardenghy pointed out that oil has been among Brazil's main export products over the last two years and is expected to maintain this position in 2026. He also emphasized that the 200 members of the IBP, an organization celebrating its 70th anniversary, participate directly in this energy production effort, which is vital to both the national economy and the international market.

During the seminar, the executive cited the tension in the Middle East and the risks involving the Strait of Hormuz, but noted that the global oil and gas sector has a history of resilience in the face of crises. Ardenghy mentioned episodes such as the world wars, Hurricane Katrina, the Iran-Iraq war, and the pandemic to reinforce that the industry has learned to operate in highly unstable contexts.

According to him, in addition to significant strategic stockpiles, the world has alternative logistical routes and pipeline networks capable of partially reducing dependence on critical areas. Ardenghy noted, for example, that China has accumulated about 1.4 billion barrels in strategic oil reserves, a volume higher than that of the United States, traditionally the largest holder of this type of stockpile.

The president of the IBP also highlighted that there are supply alternatives outside the Middle East, including Venezuela, the United States, Africa, Russia, Norway, and Brazil. He mentioned that Venezuela went from about 700,000 barrels per day six months ago to approximately 1.3 million barrels per day, while the United States produces about 17 million barrels per day, of which 13 million come from unconventional reserves, such as shale.

For Ardenghy, Brazil needs to "do its homework" to better position itself in this context. One of the points mentioned was the need to advance in licensing and regulatory safety for new exploratory frontiers, such as the Equatorial Margin. The president of the IBP stated that the country could be in a different position had it managed to drill the first well in the region seven years ago.

He also argued that Brazil must responsibly evaluate the potential of unconventional resources. Ardenghy compared the Brazilian experience with that of neighboring countries, citing Argentina, which produces about 1 million barrels of oil and gas equivalent using hydraulic fracturing. According to him, this is a mastered, safe technology used for over 50 years, but it still faces environmental and licensing hurdles in Brazil.

In addition to oil and gas, Ardenghy reinforced the country's privileged position in biofuels. He cited biodiesel, green diesel, first- and second-generation ethanol, corn and sugarcane ethanol, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), and renewable bunker as examples of pathways where Brazil can gain global scale. For him, the abundance of biomass, organic matter, and vegetable oil places the country at a competitive advantage.

Several IBP member companies also participated in the LIDE Energy Seminar. Equinor was represented by Letícia Andrade, Vice President of International Exploration and Production at Equinor Brazil, who participated in the panel on the Brazilian oil and gas industry, new markets, and exploratory and technological frontiers. She highlighted the company's 25-year presence in the country, investments and commitments of US$ 25 billion between 2009 and 2030, and the strategic role of Brazil in the company's global portfolio, with operations in oil, gas, solar, wind, and hybrid projects.

Shell was represented by Rodrigo Soares, President of Shell Energy, on the panel on transition and the future, market reorganization, decarbonization, electrification, and green hydrogen. In his presentation, Soares highlighted Shell's 113 years in Brazil, the recent milestone of 500,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day, and the performance of Shell Energy, created in 2017 for electricity trading and expanded following the opening of the gas market in 2021, reinforcing the company's integrated vision for value generation and energy transition.