Petrobras' refining units reached, in May, the mark of 95% in the processing percentage. The Total Utilization Factor (FUT) of the refineries is the best monthly result since July 2015. On some days, in the second half of the month, the level even exceeded 99%.

May's performance was recorded even with scheduled maintenance stoppages at RPBC (Cubatão, SP), Refap (Canoas, RS), Reduc (Duque de Caxias, RJ) and Replan (Paulínia, SP).

The total refining utilization factor considers the oil load volume effectively processed and the refineries' reference load, that is, their operational capacity, respecting the equipment design limits, safety, environment and quality requirements derivatives produced, in addition to the economic rationality of production decisions.
 
Investments to operate competitively and safely

This year, Petrobras has already made significant investments in its refining park. At RPBC, investments of R$ 720 million were allocated to seven refinery operating units, with services that included the modernization of equipment.

At Refap, the company invested BRL 450 million in the biggest scheduled shutdown in the unit's history, ensuring the refinery's reliability, in addition to implementing projects that increase energy efficiency and process safety. The gas treatment system, for example, resulted in investments of R$ 88 million to reduce the concentration of particulates in the gas emitted.

The Abreu e Lima Refinery (RNEST, PE) signed, in April, a contract for the expansion and modernization of units already in operation. Upon completion of the works, expected for the fourth quarter of 2024, the refinery will have an increase in the total processing capacity of Train 1, from the current 115 thousand barrels of oil per day (bpd) to 130 thousand bpd, as foreseen in the Strategic Plan 2023-2027. The modernization of these units will make it possible to increase the supply of diesel to the Brazilian market from 2025 onwards.

Also recently (05/29), Petrobras announced an investment of BRL 45 million in the Riograndense Petroleum Refinery (Rio Grande, RS), preparing the unit to be the first biorefinery in Brazil to process 100% renewable raw material.

According to Petrobras' Director of Industrial Processes and Products, William França (photo), the company's refining, logistics and commercialization areas work to increase processing capacity, without neglecting safety: "We are working to further improve our derivatives , modernize refineries and reduce the environmental impact of operations, with maximum safety. We are also moving forward, seeking to decarbonize our processes, generating higher quality and more sustainable products.”