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The final day of OTC Brazil 2025, which concludes today (30) at ExpoRio, was marked by a direct link between the future of energy production and large-scale investment in innovation. The discussions reinforced the view that the potential of new frontiers such as the Equatorial Margin can only be safely and sustainably unlocked thanks to the billions of reais invested annually in Research and Development (R&D) in Brazil.

In a panel dedicated to the Equatorial Margin, held on Wednesday afternoon (29), Sylvia dos Anjos, Petrobras’ Director of Exploration and Production, described the region as the sector’s “next great frontier.”
“We see great promise in the region,” she said, noting that the ongoing well drilling reaches a total depth of 7,081 meters. Reinforcing the area’s potential, Artur Nunes da Silva, Country Chair of TotalEnergies in Suriname, presented the GranMourgu project, demonstrating that it is possible to “combine efficiency, innovation, environmental responsibility, and social impact” in a reserve estimated at nearly 760 million barrels.

To make such complex operations feasible, a panel held on Thursday (30) with R&D leaders from major operators (Shell, TotalEnergies, Equinor, GALP, and Petrobras) and the ANP showcased how technology has been critical to this progress. The ANP’s R&D clause, which allocates 1% of resources to innovation, was highlighted as a cornerstone. According to Mariana França, Deputy Superintendent at ANP, these funds totaled R$ 4 billion in 2024 and represent “the main mechanism driving Brazil’s energy transition.”

Executives detailed how these resources are being used to tackle the challenge of producing more energy with fewer emissions. Petrobras reported that the clause has already led to R$ 3 billion in investments in infrastructure and 1,400 patents, with an additional US$ 1 billion planned for R&D over the next five years. Equinor highlighted its partnerships with universities such as UFRJ in robotics, while TotalEnergies mentioned the use of AUSEA drones to detect and measure CO₂ and methane emissions in operations.

GALP, meanwhile, has 45 active projects financed through the R&D clause, and Shell emphasized initiatives in decarbonization, solar energy, and LNG. The consensus among participants was that investment in R&D is what enables the industry to move toward a more efficient and sustainable energy future.

In the context of decarbonization, another panel featured a study presented by Professor Florian Pradelle from the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro (PUC-Rio), in collaboration with Shell Brasil, outlining alternatives to achieve the 40% emissions reduction target by 2040 established by the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

The study analyzed four pathways for maritime transport decarbonization. “The goal was to identify the most competitive solution, with the best premium over fossil fuels,” explained Pradelle. The research indicated that while methanol and ammonia offer greater decarbonization potential, they face significant volume and cost barriers, making them unviable for most long-distance operations. The study highlights the urgent need for infrastructure investment, as well as the strengthening of regulatory frameworks and financial incentives.

About OTC Brazil – OTC Brazil 2025 takes place at ExpoRio Cidade Nova from October 28 to 30 and is Master sponsored by Petrobras; Diamond sponsors include Shell and TotalEnergies; Platinum sponsors include Equinor, ExxonMobil, Petronas, PRIO, and TechnipFMC; Gold sponsors include Brava, Chevron, and Repsol Sinopec; Silver sponsor is bp; and Bronze sponsors include OceanPact, PERBRAS, Vallourec, and Tenaris.
EcoPetrol Brasil sponsors the Club Offshore, BTG Pactual Advisors is the event’s Official Bank, and the Rio de Janeiro State Secretariat for Energy and the Sea Economy is a Strategic Partner. United Airlines is the official airline, and S&P Global Commodity Insights is the Knowledge Partner. B&T XP is the Official Exchange Broker, Ambipar is the Official Emissions Offset Partner, and the Brazilian Society of Naval Engineering (Sobena) is the Guest Association.
Media partners include eixos, Petro&Química, Brasil Energia, TN Petróleo, Upstream, Offshore, and Oil & Gas Journal. Institutional supporters include ABEEMAR, ABEMI, ABESPETRO, ABIMAQ, ABPIP, ABRACO, AHK Mercosul, Arpel, CESAR, EIC, Energy Workforce & Technology Council, Firjan SENAI SESI, IADC, IAPG, Rede Petro ES, SBGf, Syndarma, Abeam, and Visit Rio.