There is an abundant and economically viable natural gas supply potential in the Brazilian market. This is, in short, the conclusion of the 2nd Gas for Development Report, announced by Gustavo Montezano, president of the National Bank for Economic and Social Development (BNDES), on the Launch Week of the BNDES Gas Program, held on 02/25.

Eduardo Eugenio Gouvêa Vieira, president of Firjan, assured, in the virtual meeting, that he is convinced that gas can provide a paradigmatic change for the economy of the state of Rio, through industry. “We have here the market, the geographic capacity to receive gas, to transform gas for consumption in Brazil and for export”, he argued, while highlighting some premises for the development of the market, among them, the approval, without changes, of the new gas law.

"This matter is vital for Brazil and fundamental for Rio. Firjan is a partner of the BNDES, and of investors and institutions that want to discuss the matter and make these heavy industries settle in our state", signaled the president of the federation.

Montezano pointed out that for the development and unlocking of this market it is “fundamental that there is, in the short term, an evolution of our legislative agenda”, when referring to the new Legal Framework for Gas, under way in the National Congress, with a vote scheduled for the first week of March.

According to Bruno Eustáquio Carvalho, Deputy Executive Secretary of the Ministry of Mines and Energy, "the BNDES report confirms the expectations of the portfolio, to make the industry more competitive, with cheaper products, favoring the installation of new units, which can expand this market" .

Pedro Calhman de Miranda, secretary of Evaluation, Planning, Energy and Lottery at the Ministry of Economy, said that the country is progressing more and more in building solid foundations in legislation, regulation and competitive conditions for the new gas market. "For the effective development of the market, the engagement, participation and investment of the private sector is necessary," he added.

Luiz Costamilan, director of the Brazilian Institute of Oil and Gas (IBP), also defended the approval of the gas law as it was voted in the first round, but warned of the need for a transition regulation that would allow the market to open in the next 12 or 18 months.