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Data from the Brazilian Statistical Yearbook of Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels 2023 shows surprising growth in reserves.
Proven oil reserves in Brazil reached a significant milestone in 2022, recording the highest volume since 2014. According to data presented in Brazilian Statistical Yearbook of Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels 2023, published by the National Petroleum and Natural Gas Agency (ANP) this Monday, (16/10), the country accounted for around 14.857 billion barrels, representing an impressive increase of 11,5% compared to 2021, consolidating the second consecutive year of increase in this volume. This rise contrasts with the period between 2014 and 2020, when reserves were in decline.
Total oil reserves and their strategic importance for Brazil
Furthermore, total reserves of oil of Brazil also revealed substantial growth, totaling 26,9 billion barrels.
It is worth highlighting that the proven reserves represent a viable portion of extraction based on geological and engineering analyses.
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Total reserves also include those that are less likely to be extracted.
The states of Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo and Espírito Santo stand out with 96,6% of the total volume of proven oil reserves.
In Rio de Janeiro, in particular, there was a significant increase in proven reserves in 2022, totaling 12,5 billion barrels, representing 83,9% of the national total.
Growth in natural gas reserves boosts energy sector
With regard to natural gas, the Brazil also recorded an increase in proven reserves, reaching a level of 406,5 billion cubic meters (m³) in 2022, the highest value since 2015.
This increase is largely driven by onshore deposits, which grew by 27,5% in volume, reaching 99 billion m³.
Rio de Janeiro continues to lead as the largest holder of gas reserves in the country, followed by Amazonas.
Record oil production and challenges in natural gas distribution
Continued exploration through well drilling is crucial to increasing oil discoveries and expanding Brazil's proven reserves.
In 2022, the country drilled a total of 26 wells for oil exploration, both on land and at sea, boosting discoveries.
However, despite this progress, the numbers remain below those recorded a decade ago.
In 2022, national oil production reached a historic milestone, exceeding 1,1 billion barrels, setting a record in the sector.
The pre-salt represented a significant portion, reaching 76,2% of the total.
As for natural gas, production also increased, reaching 50,3 billion cubic meters and maintaining a continuous growth trajectory over the last 13 years.
However, less than half of gas produced was effectively made available to consumers, highlighting the need for improvements in the distribution of this essential resource.
These data present a positive outlook for Brazil's oil and gas sector, demonstrating a significant increase in reserves and production, strengthening the country's position in the international energy scenario.
