The Midwest Gas Pipeline will pass through eight municipalities in the region. Much more than just infrastructure, the pipeline represents an investment in social areas.

The approximately R$800 million that will be invested will enable the creation of up to 15,000 direct and indirect jobs, a significant impact for the thousands of people in the surrounding areas.

"In addition to being a gas distributor, we are a company that invests in the development of society, aiming for gradual and continuous increase in workforce diversity, prioritizing Health, Safety, and Well-being programs," says Gilberto Valle, President of Gasmig.

It's important to note that Betim, Divinópolis, Igarapé, Itaúna, Juatuba, Mateus Leme, São Joaquim de Bicas, and Sarzedo account for 10% of the industrial Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and 7% of the total GDP of Minas Gerais.

In terms of population, the Midwest Gas Pipeline construction will positively impact approximately 1 million inhabitants, or 5% of the State's population.

Sustainability and the environment are also focal points.

The expansion of 300 km, representing a 23% increase in the current network of the Natural Gas Distribution System (SDGN) of Gasmig, has underscored the company's concern for the environment and sustainability.

"In the implementation of this Natural Gas Distribution System, as with all Gasmig projects, the environment will be respected, and any potential environmental impacts will be minimized through the adoption of effective mitigation measures," explains Gilberto Valle.

The company believes that natural gas is a competitive solution as it favors energy transition. The launch event itself reflects concern for sustainability, as it is Carbon Neutral.

"This means that all CO2 emissions associated with the event, from its organization to our participation here, have been completely offset," explains the company's president.

According to Gilberto Valle, six tons of carbon dioxide are offset through the neutralization of carbon credits under the Clean Development Mechanism, a criterion created by the UN to aid in the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions globally.

"This certification is in line with our ESG Strategic Plan, which encompasses a set of actions aimed at a continuous journey of environmental, social, and governance development, aiming to strengthen Gasmig as an environmentally sustainable, socially conscious, and properly managed company," informs Gilberto Valle.

ESG at Gasmig

Gasmig believes that any economic activity can and should generate value for society.

Likewise, it recognizes its role in supporting the transition to a more sustainable world.

Therefore, Gasmig, focused on the global trend of creating an institutional culture of sustainability, has established the ESG Strategy 2022-2030.

The company considers that the implementation of an ESG Strategic Plan is a continuous journey of environmental, social, and institutional development, inherently collaborative and plural.

More sustainable fuel

According to the president, one of Gasmig's structuring ESG actions aims at decarbonizing the fleet of vehicles in the State of Minas Gerais.

"To stimulate the replacement of diesel oil in heavy vehicles and gasoline in light vehicles with Compressed Natural Gas, CNG, which has lower greenhouse gas emissions and consequently results in a cleaner energy matrix for Minas Gerais, Gasmig is implementing CNG Corridors in our road network," he clarifies.

The BH-Rio Corridor, Fernão Dias Corridor, Rio-Vitória Corridor, and Rio-Bahia Corridor are already operational.

In general terms, this means that on the highways that make up these corridors, there are CNG stations within a maximum distance of 400 km, allowing the movement of goods across the State, transported by CNG vehicles.