The Brazilian Institute of Petroleum, Gas and Biofuels (IBP) and EPE (Energy Research Company) presented, at the closing plenary of Rio Pipeline, studies that point out the need to expand the pipeline network for the transportation of derivatives, biofuels and gas. , with the potential to attract billionaire investments. If these investments are to be made, they will have a strong positive impact on the country's economy and job creation.

According to a study by IBP and consulting firm Leggio, Brazil needs to invest R$ 88 billion by 2030 to ensure fuel supply especially in view of the scenario of increased ethanol supply and greater participation of biodiesel.

Of this total, R$ 12.3 billion are expected to expand logistics infrastructure, especially pipelines, ports and terminals. Another R$ 37.2 billion should be invested in multi-sector projects, mainly railways.

The largest estimated investment volume is in the implementation or expansion of ethanol and biodiesel plants - R$ 38.5 billion. The amount is needed to meet the targets of RenovaBio, the government's biofuel production program. 

For Alberto Guimarães, IBP's Downstream Executive Secretary, the expansion of the movement of fuels through pipelines, terminals and railroads reduces the cost of supply, as they are more economical alternatives than road transport. "It is still a stimulus to private investment and greater competitiveness in fuel supply in the country," he said.

According to the executive, the challenge for the sector is to prepare for the changes that Petrobras' divestments in downstream (refining and logistics) will bring to the sector, allowing the entry of new players and greater competitiveness to the segment. "But it takes stable rules and security to be able to attract new investment," he said.

According to the study, priority investments in logistics infrastructure, aimed at avoiding supply bottlenecks, should reduce by R$ 1.6 billion a year the cost of fuel supply in the country, from 2030, if they are made.

The work of IBP and Leggio also identified the attractiveness and economic viability of new pipeline routes to expand the Brazilian network, through the states of São Paulo, Mato Grosso, Mato Grosso do Sul and Paraná. These expansions alone will require investments of R$ 7.7 billion.

Pipelines 

At the same meeting of Rio Pipeline, the Energy Planning Company (EPE) presented its indicative plan for the expansion of the country's gas pipeline network, which foresees investments of about R $ 17 billion in the construction and expansion of natural gas transportation pipelines.

The main objective is to link the new gas supply hubs - which will increase in the coming years with increasing pre-salt production - to the existing pipeline network and reinforce sections where there is already mapped potential demand.

The state planning agency estimates the need for construction of 1,700 km of new pipelines, with expansion of 20% of the current network. The expansion of the grid will contribute to the development of industries that use natural gas as input (petrochemicals, fertilizers, methanol, ceramics, glass and others), according to José Mauro Coelho, EPE Director of Petroleum, Gas and Biofuels Studies.

The expected pipeline that will require the largest investment is Central Brazil, which will link São Carlos (SP) to Brasilia, with an estimated contribution of R$ 7.1 billion. Other projects identified are the implementation of the second Porto Alegre-Uruguaiana gas pipeline and the duplication of Gasbol between Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul.

Training 

Rio Pipeline also addressed professional training at the forum "Training and Competence for Pipeline 4.0 - How to fill the GAP of professionals?", Which brought together experts in digital transformation. Among the recommendations is "turning the key" to developing multidisciplinarity and adaptability to technological change. "The application of data science, blockchain, artificial intelligence, augmented reality all affect professionals in many sectors, including the pipeline segment," said Gustavo Robichez, coordinator of PUC-Rio's multidisciplinary innovation center.

Tassio Simioni, Radix's energy business manager, said companies also have to innovate in the recruitment process to attract talent with those skills. Radix promoted a Hackathon to select employees, focusing on power generation and distribution, which helped broaden their knowledge in these areas.