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With seven new blocks in the Santos Basin, the pre-salt auction promises to revolutionize the Brazilian energy sector. In addition to billions in revenue, the government is advancing sustainability with biodiesel and Renovabio targets. The event is already considered the largest in history under the production sharing regime.
With impressive figures and the weight of a strategic resource, the largest oil auction in Brazil's history is already starting to shake up the global energy sector.
Expectations are around billions in revenue and investments, but one question still intrigues: who will take the biggest slice this time?
Last Tuesday, the National Energy Policy Council (CNPE) announced the inclusion of seven blocks in the pre-salt layer in the Santos Basin in the Permanent Offer program of the National Agency of Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels (ANP).
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The Cerussite, Aragonite, Rhodochrosite, Malachite, Opal, Quartz and Chalcedony blocks are expected to be auctioned in June, in what is already considered the largest auction under the production sharing regime in terms of the number of areas offered.
The economic weight of the blocks offered
These blocks promise to transform the oil sector in Brazil.
With an expected revenue of R$220 billion over the life of the projects and investments of R$214 billion in the same period, the auction reinforces the leading role of the Santos Basin as the country's main source of oil.
Furthermore, the expected signing bonus reaches R$874 million, values that highlight the strategic importance of these areas.
Located in the pre-salt polygon, the blocks are already attracting the attention of international giants, especially considering the recent history in which Chinese companies have dominated a large part of the contracts.
China: protagonist in the latest oil auction
In the most recent pre-salt auction, Chinese companies, such as state-owned CNOOC and CNPC, secured significant shares of strategic blocks, strengthening their position in the Brazilian market.
With aggressive offers and a growing appetite for energy resources, China has established itself as one of the largest investors in the exploration of Brazilian pre-salt oil.
This move reinforces expectations that, in the next auction, the Asian country may once again play a central role, although traditional competitors, such as the United States and Europe, are also eyeing the blocks now available.
Sustainability and innovation in the energy sector
In addition to oil, the CNPE also brought sustainable issues to the meeting.
An approved resolution authorizes the use of waste oil and fats in the production of biodiesel, green diesel and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
This measure is in line with the Future Fuel Law and reflects the government's effort to balance the exploitation of fossil resources and cleaner practices.
The minimum targets for mixing these oils in biofuels will be regulated jointly by the Ministries of Mines and Energy and the Environment.
This should drive a new sustainable production chain, generating economic and environmental benefits.
Support for national industry
The CNPE meeting also reinforced the commitment to local content.
The minimum indexes for the construction of new tankers in Brazil were defined, establishing that these vessels must contain at least 50% of goods and services produced in the country.
This measure seeks to strengthen the national naval industry, with positive impacts on job creation and stimulating technological development.
The new vessels will be used for coastal shipping of oil and derivatives, reinforcing the sector's logistics infrastructure.
Renovabio and the decarbonization goal
In the environmental field, the Renovabio program defined new targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions for the period between 2025 and 2034.
The global target calls for an 11,37% reduction in carbon intensity by 2034, compared to 2018 levels.
For 2025, the goal is to generate 40,39 million Decarbonization Credits (CBIOs), which is equivalent to removing 40,39 million tons of CO₂ equivalent from the atmosphere.
These goals will be detailed by the ANP, considering the participation of each distributor in the fossil fuel market.
Who will be the next protagonist?
With so many factors at play, the next pre-salt auction promises to be decisive for the future of the energy sector in Brazil.
The Santos Basin blocks bring immeasurable economic potential, while the new resolutions point to a more sustainable and innovative path.
However, the central question remains: Will China continue to dominate contracts, or will new players surprise the market?
