Bento Albuquerque, Minister of Mines and Energy, said that investments of around R $ 1.8 trillion in energy will be needed by 2027, of which R $ 1.4 trillion in the oil and gas segment. The statement was given yesterday (3) during the inauguration ceremony of the new president of Petrobras, Roberto Castello Branco, in Rio de Janeiro, its first event after officially taking command of the Ministry of Mines and Energy (MME).

"The market has good projections for the oil and gas sector. We see an intense movement of investors, eager for new opportunities, from a new business environment, "he said.

Bento Albuquerque said the results of the oil auctions are examples of credibility that the industry has deposited in the MME. "The recent exploratory block auctions demonstrated this confidence. The release of the calendar of the next rounds has provided predictability and hope for the entire oil and gas industry. "

On fuel price policy, Bento Albuquerque said that there will be no government interference in companies, but that it is necessary to have a balance between fair compensation for companies and reasonable prices for society.

He also mentioned the importance of new technologies of exploitation; the increasing supply of oil from the shale; new discoveries of offshore deposits; and the inexorable tendency toward electrification; as well as the strong appeal for a sustainable planet as opportunities to take advantage of Brazilian oil reserves.

On the environmental issue, he explained the importance of the balance between renewable sources and fossil fuels. He said that the advancement of technologies in the areas of exploration and production; and the innovations incorporated in the refining segment improve the quality of fuels, encourage advances in the sector and contribute to the health of the planet.

Speaking about low-carbon economics, he advocated base generation of natural gas power plants for energy security along with intermittent renewable sources such as wind and solar. "The transition to cleaner energy systems should strengthen the role of natural gas in the Brazilian energy matrix. The pre-salt potential of natural gas in the near future can not be ignored. We will prepare for this favorable combination: of expanding gas supply, with the demand for cleaner energy. "

A journalist at the end of the ceremony again defended the use of nuclear energy, noting that Brazil has the 6th uranium reserve in the world. Asked about the onerous assignment, he said he expects the Union and Petrobras to complete the negotiation in 100 days and said that the government is already convinced that Petrobras is a creditor.

The minister praised the choice of Roberto Castello Branco for the presidency of the state. "We are confident that, with its wisdom and wide experience in public and private life, backed by the competent and spirited staff of this house, it will lead our Petrobras to a new time of modernity, innovation, sustainability and, above all, results, "he concluded.