A discovery on the Equatorial Margin, with the potential to produce up to 5,6 billion barrels of oil, promises to revolutionize Brazil's energy sector. Sérgio Sacani highlights the economic and strategic impacts, while Petrobras invests in sustainability and energy transition. Is the country ready to take advantage of this wealth and face environmental challenges?
In the vast ocean that bathes the Brazilian coast, a discovery that promises to transform the country's energy future is generating expectation and enthusiasm.
An oil reserve in Equatorial Margin, with a potential of up to 5,6 billion barrels, appears to be a watershed for the economy and national energy security.
According to renowned geologist and YouTuber Sérgio Sacani, this reserve, located along the Equatorial Margin, has the potential to be twice the size of the pre-salt — a historic milestone in Brazilian oil production.
- Petrobras signs new contract with Dutch multinational SBM Offshore! The intention is to implement Carbon Capture Modules on FPSOs to find ways to reduce CO₂ emissions
- DREX and the end of your freedom? Understand how the digital Real will work in 2025, according to an expert
- The United States falls into its own trap: sanctions against China affect its own companies
- Ibama Decides to Reduce Flow Rate at Belo Monte Power Plant and Aneel Predicts Costs of Up to R$2,4 Billion to Consumers
In an interview with Irmãos Dias Podcast, Sacani explained that this discovery can not only guarantee the supply of the domestic market, but also bring significant impacts to the regional economy.
“Every oil field has a production curve, a peak, and then it starts to fall. The pre-salt should enter a depression in 2027. If we don’t find anything and don’t start producing, we will have to import oil, and the price could skyrocket,” said Sacani.
The Equatorial Margin and its strategic importance
The Equatorial Margin, located between the states of Rio Grande do Norte and Amapá, is considered Brazil's new exploratory frontier.
Petrobras is investing heavily in the region, with a US$3,1 billion business plan through 2028.
These funds will be used for research and drilling that, if successful, could add up to 37% to national oil reserves, currently estimated at 14,8 billion barrels.
Internal studies indicate that only block FZA-M-59, in the Foz do Amazonas Basin, can contain the announced volume of 5,6 billion barrels.
Furthermore, data from January 2025 reveals that Petrobras has increased investment in cutting-edge technology to reduce environmental risks from drilling in the region, including the use of advanced sensors to monitor sensitive ecosystems.
However, exploration depends on environmental licenses, as the area is considered sensitive due to its proximity to the mouth of the Amazon River.
In 2024, Ibama authorized drilling in blocks in the Potiguar Basin, but the release of FZA-M-59 still faces resistance.
The state-owned company also announced in January 2025 the creation of a task force to accelerate obtaining the necessary licenses, with a focus on more transparent dialogue with local communities and environmental organizations.
The Equatorial Margin, located between the states of Rio Grande do Norte and Amapá, is considered Brazil's new exploratory frontier.
Petrobras is investing heavily in the region, with a US$3,1 billion business plan through 2028.
These funds will be used for research and drilling that, if successful, could add up to 37% to national oil reserves, currently estimated at 14,8 billion barrels.
Internal studies indicate that only block FZA-M-59, in the Foz do Amazonas Basin, can contain the announced volume of 5,6 billion barrels.
However, exploration depends on environmental licenses, as the area is considered sensitive due to its proximity to the mouth of the Amazon River.
In 2024, Ibama authorized drilling in blocks in the Potiguar Basin, but the release of FZA-M-59 still faces resistance.
Sérgio Sacani gave a complete class on oil production in Brazil – IRMÃOS PODCAST
Economic and environmental impacts
Sérgio Sacani also highlighted the economic impact that the Equatorial Margin can bring to Brazil.
He compared the results obtained by neighboring countries, such as Guyana and Suriname, which saw their GDPs grow exponentially after similar discoveries.
“Guyana’s GDP increased by 62% in 2024 due to oil, and Suriname’s GDP grew by more than 40%. We have a great opportunity in the state of Amapá, but it is a challenge because it is close to the mouth of the Amazon River,” he pointed out.
On the other hand, exploration in the region faces criticism from environmentalists, who warn of the environmental impacts at the mouth of the Amazon River, one of the richest and most sensitive ecosystems in the world.
Concerns include potential oil spills and interference with marine habitats crucial to endangered species.
To address these issues, the Petrobras announced measures such as the construction of two Wildlife Rehabilitation and De-oiling Centers (CRD), which will be operational in 2025, and the use of advanced technology for real-time environmental monitoring.
Furthermore, the state-owned company intensified dialogue with non-governmental organizations and local communities to minimize socio-environmental impacts.
The proximity to sensitive marine ecosystems and the biodiversity of the mouth of the Amazon River require strict mitigation measures.
As part of these requirements, Petrobras announced in December 2024 the construction of two Wildlife Rehabilitation and De-oiling Centers (CRD), which are due to open in 2025 in the states of Pará and Amapá.
Energy transition and the future of Brazil
The new reserve not only represents an economic opportunity, but also a pillar in the transition to a greener economy.
Petrobras has already announced plans to invest part of the revenues obtained from this exploration in carbon capture projects and in the development of technologies for renewable energy, such as offshore wind and solar.
In 2025, the state-owned company launched a pilot program to reuse deactivated platforms, transforming them into bases for installing wind turbines, a pioneering initiative in Latin America.
Although oil remains one of the main sources of energy, exploration can also finance the development of renewable sources.
Petrobras plans to invest part of the profits obtained in the Equatorial Margin in carbon capture and storage projects, as well as in wind and solar energy.
These initiatives seek to align the state-owned company's objectives with global emissions reduction commitments.
Equatorial Margin has the potential to revolutionize the Brazilian energy sector
The discovery on the Equatorial Margin has the potential to revolutionize the Brazilian energy sector, but requires planning and responsibility.
The balance between economic development and sustainability will be essential for Brazil to take advantage of this wealth without compromising its environment.
Sérgio Sacani sums up this vision by stating: “This discovery is a unique opportunity for us to lead energy production responsibly, ensuring a more prosperous future for future generations.”
And you, do you believe that Brazil is ready to face this challenge and make the most of the new reserve? Leave your opinion in the comments!
Petrobras and its partners are fully prepared to use this wealth for the benefit of Brazil and its people. Brazil may not be ready.
Now we should focus on creating refineries to stop depending on imports and start exporting.
There has only been corruption and mistakes with the proposal so far of REFINERIES, corrupt or incompetent governments. What we need to do is lower the price of fuels like in other countries that consume much less than they produce.