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Petrobras is betting on the reuse of offshore platforms to cut costs and boost sustainability in the energy sector!
From 2023, Petrobras has intensified its studies on reuse of offshore platforms, as it seeks to make its operations more efficient and sustainable. As part of this strategy, in October 2024, the company signed a protocol of intent with various institutions in the energy sector to advance this objective.
Furthermore, according to the National Agency of Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels (ANP), this approach can reduce by up to 30% the costs of new explorations and, at the same time, minimize environmental impacts.
A oil platform recycling has already become a priority inside the circular economy in the energy sector. Due to this reason, reports from the Energy Research Company (EPE), published in March 2024, indicate that the offshore sector has increasingly sought innovative solutions for reuse structures and thus avoid the need for new construction.
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Finally, the Petrobras declared in his Strategic Plan 2024-2028 what do you expect expand the reuse of these infrastructures, Both optimize costs, as for strengthen your environmental responsibility.
Why is the reuse of offshore platforms essential for the energy sector?
In recent years, the concept of reuse of offshore platforms has been gaining strength in Brazil. Initially, in 2022, Petrobras took the first steps by beginning studies to extend the useful life of these infrastructures.
Since then, the need to seek innovative solutions has become evident. According to the Federation of Industries of the State of Rio de Janeiro (Firjan)On 2022, Brazil had at least 40 platforms disabled or in the process of decommissioning. Therefore, the state-owned company began to invest heavily in transforming these structures into reusable assets.
Also, in February 2024, a study of the Brazilian Institute of Oil and Gas (IBP) highlighted that the recovery of these platforms can reduce the industrial waste emissions by up to 50%.
To reinforce this initiative, in April 2024, Petrobras announced, during a Press conference, which aims to implement a pilot plan to reuse three platforms by the end of 2025. This way, if the project is successful, the company will be able to expand this practice to other units by 2030.
Reducing operating costs: the great advantage of reusing platforms
Without a doubt, the financial issue has always represented a determining factor for the oil and gas industry.
As indicated by a report published by Brazilian Association of Oil and Gas Exploration and Production Companies (ABEP)On September 2023, the average costs for building a new platform can exceed $1,5 billion. However, the reusing these structures can reduce this value by up to 40%, making operations much more profitable.
In this context, Petrobras has been studying this alternative since 2023. As a result of this, in June 2024, the company announced a initial investment of R$ 2 billion to modernize platforms that have already operated in mature fields.
According to the company itself, this initiative can anticipate the financial return of new projects, as well as increase the efficiency of operations. In addition modernization of platforms will allow incorporation of new technologiesas the industrial automation e artificial intelligence, essential elements for optimize operational performance.
In this way, in August de 2024, Petrobras also started partnerships with international companies to improve its reuse technology.
Currently, Shell Brazil e TotalEnergies, for example, show great interest in collaborating with the Brazilian state-owned company to make possible new oil exploration and production techniques from existing structures.
Environmental impacts and sustainability in the oil and gas sector
Currently, the concern with the environmental impact of the activities of oil and gas exploration has grown exponentially.
For this reason, in November 2023, United Nations (UN) published a report warning about the need to reduce carbon emissions in the energy sector. In response to this demand, several companies, including Petrobras, began to invest in sustainable technologies.
Furthermore, according to data released by Brazilian Institute for the Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (IBAMA)On March 2024, offshore platform recycling can reduce by up to 70% of pollution caused by improper disposal of these structures.
At the same time, the International Energy Agency (IEA) disclosed, in July 2024, a study indicating that the reuse of offshore infrastructures may be essential for achieve decarbonization targets by 2050.
Therefore, Petrobras and other industry giants see this approach as a crucial step to align its operations with the global environmental requirements.
Conclusion: Petrobras at the forefront of innovation and energy efficiency
Without a doubt, over the years last years, Petrobras has demonstrated a growing commitment to innovation and sustainability.
From 2023, the company has been implementing new solutions de reuse of offshore platforms, ensuring reduction of operating costs e lower environmental impact.
In this way, experts from firjan and IBP predict that, until 2030, at least 50% of deactivated platforms in Brazil could be reused.
Finally, by investing in this model, Petrobras is positioned as global reference, balancing economic development e environmental responsibility.
