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With a past marked by scandals, the Boaventura Energy Complex is inaugurated by Lula. The project, which cost billions, is reborn as a symbol of innovation and natural gas production.
The President of the Republic Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva participated this Friday (13) in a ceremony that attracted attention. While Brazil's eyes turn to economic recovery and advances in Petrobras, a project that bears the marks of a dark era in the country, was officially inaugurated.
The project that has already cost the country billions of reais is back in the spotlight, bringing new promises and, of course, a lot of debate. At the center of this recovery, the Boaventura Energy Complex, in Itaboraí, Rio de Janeiro, revives one of the most controversial chapters of Lava Jato.
Initially known as the Rio de Janeiro Petrochemical Complex (Comperj), the site has become a symbol of corruption investigations.
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Petrobras now aims not only to turn this page, but also to position Brazil as a reference in natural gas processing and fuel production. The opening of the country's largest gas processing unit signals a new era for the energy sector.
A work that transcends scandals
The construction of this complex was conceived in 2006, during Lula's first term. At the time, the project, which promised to integrate the petrochemical industry with oil refining, had an initial cost of around 6 billion dollars.
However, over the years, Several modifications to the project caused the value to rise to an impressive 26 billion dollars, in addition to becoming the target of investigations and corruption scandals.
Now, with a new approach, Petrobras is betting on natural gas processing, driven by pre-salt production in the Santos Basin.
According to the state-owned company, the complex will have the capacity to process up to 21 million cubic meters of gas per day, reinforcing the national supply and reducing dependence on imports.
The company also announced that the area will feature two thermal power plants and refining units for the production of diesel, aviation kerosene and lubricants.
The new focus: natural gas and fuels
The main unit of the complex is dedicated to the processing of natural gas from pre-salt layers. The Route 3 pipeline, which will transport the input from the Santos Basin to the complex, also began operations.
The Rota 3 project will allow the flow of up to 18 million cubic meters of gas per day, contributing to increasing the supply of this resource on the national market.
According to Petrobras, the works on the Rota 3 project generated around 10 thousand direct jobs, a significant impact on the local economy.
Additionally, when fully completed, the complex will have the capacity to produce 12 thousand barrels per day of lubricating oils, 75 thousand barrels of S-10 diesel and 20 thousand barrels of aviation kerosene.
The recovery of Petrobras and the challenges of Itaboraí
After almost two decades of scandals and shutdowns, the Boaventura Energy Complex has emerged as a new hope for Petrobras and the Brazilian energy sector. However, the road to get here has been difficult.
According to ANP (National Agency of Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels), approval for the operation of the gas processing plant only came in September 2024, when the company finally completed the necessary adjustments to calibrate the equipment.
Petrobras expects commercial operations of the complex to begin in October 2024. More than 600 professionals are already involved in the operation of the gas pipeline, refinery and other plants at the site, ensuring the operational infrastructure necessary for the project’s success.
A tribute to local history
In addition to its economic role, the Boaventura Energy Complex pays homage to the region's roots.
The name of the industrial hub is a reference to the Convent of St. Bonaventure, whose ruins are located within the complex area and are considered one of the first buildings in the Itaboraí region.
The complex, which will operate in synergy with the Duque de Caxias Refinery (Reduc), should consolidate itself as one of the main gas processing and fuel production hubs in Brazil.
With a new perspective and cutting-edge technology, the Boaventura Energy Complex can finally leave behind the stigma of scandals and become an icon of innovation and development.
The future of Petrobras: a new phase?
The question remains: with the Boaventura Energy Complex back in operation, will Petrobras finally be able to regain its credibility and consolidate its leadership in the Brazilian energy sector? What are the next steps for Brazil in the race for cleaner and more efficient energy production?
