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The Importance of the RefTOP Program and Petrobras’ Commitment to Energy Sustainability

Written by Bruno Teles
Published on 25/07/2023 at 13:45
A importância do programa RefTOP e o compromisso da Petrobras com a sustentabilidade energética
FOTO: DIVULGAÇÃO
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Petrobras, One of the Largest Oil Companies in the World, Has Been Dedicated to Achieving Historic Energy Efficiency and Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Its Refineries.

The World-Class Refining Program, known as RefTOP, has been essential in this journey. This text will explore the advancements made by Petrobras regarding emissions intensity and energy efficiency, as well as highlight the company’s commitment to energy sustainability and environmental preservation.

The RefTOP Program and Achieved Results

Petrobras Launched the RefTOP Program in 2021, with the goal of increasing the operational availability of the refineries, reducing the carbon intensity of its operations, and positioning the company among the best oil refiners in the world. The program has completed two years and already shows significant results.

In June 2023, Petrobras achieved the best historical monthly result for greenhouse gas emissions intensity in refining, with a value of only 36.7 kilograms of CO2 equivalent (kgCO2eq/CWT). This number represents a significant reduction compared to previous emissions. The company recorded the best historical monthly and cumulative energy intensity levels in refining, with 102.5 and 105 points, respectively. These indices measure the amount of energy required for the operation of the refineries.

The concept of Complexity Weighted by Ton (CWT) is fundamental for calculating a refinery’s emissions intensity. It considers the CO2 emission potential, equivalent to distillation, for each process unit. Petrobras has been using CWT to monitor and reduce its greenhouse gas emissions.

Commitment to Sustainability

Petrobras has demonstrated its commitment to sustainability and carbon emissions reduction through the RefTOP program. In a statement, the state-owned company emphasizes that the results achieved demonstrate its commitment to reducing carbon intensity in its operations.

The RefTOP program plans investments of approximately US$ 813 million and includes 148 projects. Among these projects, 100 focus on increasing the energy efficiency of the refineries. Petrobras aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to a limit of 36 kg of CO2 equivalent by 2025. Additionally, the company intends to decrease energy intensity in refining to 89 points. These ambitious goals demonstrate Petrobras’s commitment to sustainability and environmental preservation.

Environmental Impact

The results obtained by June 2023 already show a significant positive impact. The reduction in energy intensity achieved so far represents a 24% decrease in natural gas consumption compared to the beginning of the program. This reduction also corresponds to a decrease in greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to over 63,000 urban buses operating five days a week, traveling 200 km per day.

Petrobras has been striving to reduce its environmental impact and contribute to the mitigation of climate change effects. The advancements made so far demonstrate that the company is on the right path to achieving its environmental goals.

Advancements in Refining Processes

In addition to environmental benefits, the RefTOP program has also driven important results for Petrobras. Among these, the increase in the reliability of the refining units stands out, allowing the assets to operate with high utilization factors. This increase in reliability has ensured a supply of derivatives that is more in line with market demand.

Another significant advancement is the increase in the processing capacity of pre-salt oil at the refineries, reaching a historic level of 72% in June 2023. This increase in processing capacity reflects the efficiency and modernization of the company’s refining processes.

Bruno Teles

Falo sobre tecnologia, inovação, petróleo e gás. Atualizo diariamente sobre oportunidades no mercado brasileiro. Com mais de 7.000 artigos publicados nos sites CPG, Naval Porto Estaleiro, Mineração Brasil e Obras Construção Civil. Sugestão de pauta? Manda no brunotelesredator@gmail.com

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