Self-sufficiency, energy security, the weight of oil on the world stage and the particularities of the Brazilian transition to a low carbon matrix were the subjects of the virtual debate “EPE Vision of the Brazilian oil and gas market”, held this Tuesday (03 / 11), mediated by Karine Fragoso, Oil, Gas and Naval manager at Firjan. The virtual meeting, another edition of Firjan's Oil, Gas and Naval webseries, brought together representatives of the Energy Research Company (EPE) around the study on the 10-year Energy Expansion Plan (PDE 2030), a document released annually by the agency, with projections for the next ten years of the oil and gas market in the country.

Efforts to find technological solutions that make gas economically viable and the role of industry in reducing carbon emissions in its production process were aspects highlighted by the participants. According to Marcelo Alfradique, deputy superintendent of Oil and Natural Gas at EPE, there is a movement to reduce CO2 in the industry, including on oil platforms. “Many companies in Brazil are concerned with actions to offset emissions and invest in reforestation, for example. The objective is to safeguard our reserves and continue to enjoy production in the best possible way. These initiatives should be part of the organizations' strategic planning ”, he suggested.

The challenge of promoting economic development and meeting the industry's competitiveness needs, respecting the environment, was another topic addressed at the event. Rio de Janeiro's role, and its relevance in national production and reserves, were emphasized. According to Marcos Frederico, superintendent of Oil and Natural Gas at EPE, Brazil, against the world decline, has reserves with breathtaking, today, more than four times what is produced, in a conservative view. "We have much more discoveries than anything we have ever produced, and the main strategy is related to maintaining this matrix, in a sustainable way, guaranteeing its place in the international market without compromising our self-sufficiency in the future", explained Frederico.

Heloísa Borges, director of Oil, Gas and Biofuels Studies at EPE, also highlighted the internal demand for oil that, in a natural process, will begin to absorb production by 2050. “Even though we consider our best scenarios for gaining energy efficiency, we will need to double our production to meet the country's growth needs by 2050. And we need all sources of energy, renewable or not, to meet this goal ”, assured Heloísa.