During his speech at the opening of the OTC Brazil 2019, Bento Albuquerque (photo) of the MME announced that the National Energy Policy Council (CNPE), based on the Brazilian government's negotiations with the United Nations (UN), authorized the National Petroleum Agency , Natural Gas and Biofuels (ANP) to include, from next year, exploratory blocks beyond the limits of 200 nautical miles, in a region that is being treated by “Pre-Salt mirror”. This denomination derives from geological studies conducted by the ANP, which point to a great potential of oil reserves in the region.

In addition, by the end of 2019, the Ministry of Mines and Energy (MME) will incorporate another year of auctions into the current series, with oil bids held by 2022. “With these rounds, we seek to reach the goal of positioning Brazil among the five largest oil producers in the world, ”he said. By 2030, the expectation is to reach 5.4 million barrels of oil per day and double natural gas production to over 260 million cubic meters per day.

According to the Minister, these rounds constitute a unique window of opportunity for the development of the Brazilian oil potential, considering that the resources have value over time. “The technological efforts for deepwater exploration already undertaken and those to come will help the country value our reserves.”

Albuquerque also highlighted the success of the first cycle of the Permanent Offer and the 16th Concession Round and emphasized the importance of the next ones: the Assignment Surplus Auction (6/11) and the 6th Production Sharing Round (7/11).

“We hope that with the conclusion of the 2019 Rounds, we will have significant investments in the signed contracts, as well as significant collection as a signing bonus.”

Improvement of bidding rounds 

In the field of good governance practices, the program to improve bidding rounds for exploration and production of oil and natural gas will be launched. The objectives are to improve the bidding policy, maximize the Union's Net Present Value (NPV) and increase the competitiveness and attractiveness of the areas.

"All this reaffirms Brazil, as a safe and reliable destination for investments, which has been confirmed by the number and diversity of companies qualified by the ANP, to compete for the areas offered this year," he concluded.