The current situation of the energy sector of Rio Grande do Norte was the subject of discussions of the IV State Energy Forum, held on Wednesday, 26, which brought together managers and investors in the sector. The event took place in the main auditorium of Christmas Campus of the Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Rio Grande do Norte (IFRN) and with the participation of the Chief Executive Officer of Gas Potiguar Company (Potigás), Beto Santos.

Participants discussed the future of the activities, challenges, investments and results as well as federal, state and local guidelines applicable to oil and gas segments, wind and solar energy, biomass and biofuels.

The CEO of Potigás represented the Company in the event’s discussions, along with the Planning Advisor, Ramid Risério. On the occasion, spoke to the audience of professionals, technicians, managers and other investors in the sector on the state of piped natural gas, fuel exploitation, product advantages, the operations performed by the Company, among others.

Beto Santos emphasized the partnership between Potigás, Economic Development Secretariat (Sedec) and Institute for Sustainable Development and Environment (Idema), which enabled the RN Gas + program. "The benefit of the natural gas subsidy channeled to industries ensured the maintenance of these companies in the state and hence the conservation of 22 thousand jobs. The program has mainly driven the textile and ceramic industry, "said the CEO.

To Ramid Risério, the debate was extremely rich. "We discussed from wind power, through the natural gas to electric. It was an opportunity for the society has knowledge of the energy potential of the state, which must advance and highlight points, "he explained.

The event also included the presentation "The new era of renewable energy", by Andrew McAllister, member of the Energy Commission of the State of California (CEC).