Rio Pipeline 2023, the largest event in the pipeline segment in Latin America and one of the largest in the world, organized by the Brazilian Institute of Oil and Gas (IBP), brings together key players from the oil, gas, and logistics sectors at the opening ceremony on Tuesday, August 8th, at Expo Mag in Rio de Janeiro. The role of logistics in business development and its integration with the energy transition process set the tone for the event's opening panel.

IBP President Roberto Ardenghy emphasized that the 13th edition of Pipeline will be a journey of knowledge toward the future. "Over these three days, our path will lead us towards technology, integrity, decarbonization, and sustainability," stated Ardenghy, noting that the 2,200 registered attendees already surpass the numbers of the same conference in Calgary, Canada.

According to Idarilho Nascimento, Chair of Rio Pipeline 2023, the exchange of technical knowledge will help explore Brazil's potential in the sector. "Considering our continental size, the need for natural gas distribution to the interior, and the possibility of developing other industrial sectors, our mission is to promote even greater decarbonization in our energy matrix. Our pipelines will enable these advancements," Nascimento considered.

Angela Regina Livino, Acting President of the Energy Research Company (EPE), emphasized the importance of industry resurgence through significant traditional forums like Rio Pipeline. "EPE will present some of its infrastructure and logistics plans for the pipeline market, aiming to ensure integrated energy planning, develop efficient solutions, and together, present investments in the order of R$140 billion," she highlighted.

Senator Laércio Oliveira (PP-SE) highlighted the importance of the new Gas Law for the development of national infrastructure and the market. "Starting in 2021, the Gas Law placed Brazil in a different business environment, with more players and new investments."

Hugo Leal, Secretary of State for Energy and Maritime Economics of Rio de Janeiro and a Federal Deputy, emphasized the opportunities that the energy transition offers to the logistics sector. "We are in a moment of transition worldwide, and we must not forget about biomethane and biogas. We need to stimulate new sources and also invest in hydrogen, for example."

Rodolfo Saboia, Director-General of the National Agency of Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels (ANP), pointed out the challenges that Rio Pipeline can help solve. "We need to mature the market and further decentralize it, and this involves the regulatory agenda of ANP. We also need to harmonize federal regulations with state regulations and improve the rules for leasing capacity in gas pipelines," he identified.

During the first CEO Talks of Rio Pipeline, Cláudio Schlosser, Director of Logistics, Commercialization, and Markets at Petrobras, highlighted the importance of pipeline logistics in the company's strategy, combining safety and sustainability. "30 years ago, we were building pipelines on the coast. Today, with the strength of agribusiness, we are looking towards the center of the country. We have created a sales hub in Rondonópolis and set a record for diesel transportation to that region. The increased demand will require more investment and expansion," Schlosser noted, emphasizing that "pipelines are competitive, safe, with a carbon footprint 90% lower compared to other modes."

The 2023 edition of Rio Pipeline is master-sponsored by Petrobras; platinum sponsored by Transpetro, NTS, TAG, and TBG; gold sponsored by Tenaris; bronze sponsored by PRIO; copper sponsored by GERDAU, Álvaro Aguiar Engenharia, Solar Turbines, Tory Tech; Premium Arena sponsored by DNV and SLB/ENIVIBES; Special Arena sponsored by Geogas, Rosen, Optasense, and TDW; media partnership with Pipeline Technology Journal and epbr; media support from Petro&Química, TN Petróleo, and World Pipelines; institutional support from ABCM, AbeGás, Abemi, AbesPetro, Abendi, ABH2, Abimaq, Abitam, Abraco, Abramam, Arpel, Atgás, Brazil-Texas Chamber of Commerce, CTDUT, CTFF, YPI, and YPP. Additionally, the event is supported by the Federal Government.