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A clash over Brazil's energy future is reignited every day, and now, the exploration of a deposit of oil on the Equatorial Margin gains even more strength with the heated defense of First Lady Rosângela Lula da Silva, known as Janja.
In a controversial interview full of emphatic statements, Janja pointed to Petrobras as a key player in sustainably exploring one of the country's largest oil reserves, with the potential to boost the Brazilian economy and create hundreds of thousands of jobs.
The issue, however, is far from being consensual, dividing environmentalists, government sectors and society itself, while awaiting a crucial decision.
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Oil exploration: the new Brazilian frontier?
The Equatorial Margin, a region that extends from Amapá to Rio Grande do Norte, covers areas such as the mouth of the Amazon and the maritime basins of Pará-Maranhão, Barreirinhas, Ceará and Potiguar.
According to Janja, this area represents a unique opportunity for Petrobras to explore an estimated amount of billions of barrels of oil, paving the way for the creation of approximately 350 jobs direct and indirect.
She highlighted that the state-owned company, recognized for its cutting-edge technology and innovation, would be prepared to operate without harming the environment.
“Petrobras is a powerhouse,” says Janja
During the interview given to CNN Brazil, Janja highlighted Petrobras' competence to conduct a sustainable operation and emphasized the state-owned company's fundamental role in the national economy.
“Petrobras is a powerhouse in this area, a cutting-edge technology development company”, said the First Lady, indicating that exploration could contribute to the country's development in a responsible manner.
With the promise of boosting the economy and creating job opportunities, the First Lady's proposal finds support among some sectors, but faces strong resistance.
Environmental impact and resistance from environmentalists
Oil exploration on the Equatorial Margin is an issue that generates strong reactions. Environmentalists warn about the potential environmental impact on the waters of the northern coast and the region's rich biodiversity.
In May 2023, Petrobras had already faced obstacles when the Ibama issued an unfavorable position on the drilling of a well in block FZA-M-59, located in the Foz do Amazonas Basin.
The state-owned company, however, requested that this decision be reassessed, since the location houses one of the largest potential reserves, with an estimated capacity of 5,6 billion barrels of oil.
According to the Minister of Mines and Energy, Alexandre Silveira, oil extraction in this specific area could increase national reserves by around 37%.
R$280 billion and the search for the Ibama license
According to estimates, investment in the Equatorial Margin could reach $ 280 billion, with potential reserves of approximately 10 billion barrels.
This amount attracts the attention of investors and generates expectations for economic recovery and the strengthening of the country's energy infrastructure.
Despite the optimistic projection, Petrobras and other companies that own exploration blocks in the region are still awaiting approval of licenses from Ibama.
Only the Potiguar Basin has so far obtained authorization to continue drilling, while other licensing processes are still under analysis.
Division of opinions in government and society
Within the government itself, the issue generates disagreements.
Exploration on the Equatorial Margin is defended by figures such as Alexandre Silveira, Minister of Mines and Energy, and Magda Chambriard, president of Petrobras.
Both consider oil extraction vital for Brazil's energy autonomy and economic growth.
In contrast, environmental organizations and other sectors express concerns about the impact on the environment.
The operation involves an area of extreme environmental wealth and home to highly relevant marine ecosystems.
The dilemma between economic progress and environmental sustainability
The possible exploration of the billion-dollar deposit represents a dilemma between economic development and environmental conservation.
While on the one hand the government argues that exploration will bring significant economic benefits, with the generation of jobs and an increase in national energy production, on the other hand, fears about the environmental impact and the lack of consensus around the licenses reflect a complex challenge.
The expectation of thousands of jobs and the potential increase in oil reserves heat up the debate, while the requirement for environmental preservation remains a point of conflict.
Pending question: the role of Ibama
Currently, the final decision still rests on the position of Ibama, the body responsible for evaluating the environmental impacts of operations.
So far, only the Potiguar Basin has received the necessary approval for drilling.
Thus, both Petrobras and other energy companies operating on the Equatorial Margin are eagerly awaiting the release of licenses, which could pave the way for large-scale exploration.
However, the impasse between economic expansion and environmental preservation is likely to continue to be a controversial and widely discussed issue.
The impasse over oil exploration on the Equatorial Margin illustrates the clash between progress and preservation. Will Brazil be able to balance economic development and environmental preservation in this new era of oil expansion?
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