Experts point out the importance of balancing oil exploration and the advancement of clean sources in the country

At the emblematic meeting “Pathways for Fair Energy Transition in Brazil”, held in Rio de Janeiro, the voice of the leaders of two of the largest Brazilian institutions stands out. Aloizio Mercadante, head of the National Bank for Economic and Social Development (BNDES), and Jean Paul Prates, president of Petrobras, emphasized the cruciality of a balanced energy transition, in which oil exploration in the Equatorial Margin plays a central role.

Oil: the evolving protagonist of the energy matrix

Mercadante highlighted that, no matter how much we look for alternatives, oil has not yet found a full substitute. It remains a key piece in the world's energy puzzle. “According to projections by the United Nations (ONU), it is expected that by 2050, 17% of the energy matrix will still have fossil origins”, he said. In this context, he maintained that oil will coexist with new energy sources, whose presence is encouraged to dominate the future economy.

Latin America: the world's gaze on its oil reserves

Latin America, and particularly Brazil, finds itself in a strategic position in the global energy scenario. With extensive reserves already identified and the potential to become one of the largest oil producers, the continent attracts global attention. Mercadante highlighted the extent of the Brazilian coastline that stretches from Rio Grande do Norte to Amapá. “We have already identified proven reserves of 11 billion barrels in this stretch, with an expected production of 1,5 million barrels per day”, he pointed out, alluding to the region’s notable potential, especially in the vicinity of the Amazon.

In short, the transition to a cleaner energy matrix is ​​undeniably essential, but responsible oil exploration will be a reality for a long time. The conclusions of the seminar BNDES-Petrobras reiterate the need to balance these two worlds, ensuring that oil revenue is channeled to finance this critical transition.

Source: BNDES Press.