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Get To Know The Boaventura Energy Complex, The Project That Rises From The Ashes Of The Old COMPERJ To Transform Pre-Salt Gas Into High-Value Products And Generate More Than 10,000 Jobs
In Itaboraí, Rio de Janeiro, an industrial giant is reborn. Where the ruins of what would have been the Rio de Janeiro Petrochemical Complex (COMPERJ) once stood, the new Gaslub Hub now operates, officially renamed the Boaventura Energy Complex. The project, led by Petrobras, represents one of the most strategic investments in the country, with the promise of reindustrializing the region and increasing Brazil’s energy security.
The undertaking marks a turning point. Instead of a traditional refinery, Petrobras is betting on an integrated energy hub. The first phase, which began full operation in May 2025, already processes gas from the pre-salt. The second phase, with investments of R$ 13 billion, aims to produce high-quality lubricants and diesel, products that Brazil currently imports.
From The Failure Of COMPERJ To The Rebirth As The Boaventura Complex
The history of the site is marked by a traumatic past. Launched in 2006, COMPERJ promised to be one of the largest industrial complexes in the world. However, in 2015, construction was halted amid the scandals of Operation Lava Jato. The interruption caused a billion-dollar loss and a collapse of Itaboraí’s economy, leaving a trail of unemployment and distrust.
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To overcome this stigma, Petrobras restructured the entire project. In September 2024, in an official ceremony, the former GasLub Hub was rebranded as the Boaventura Energy Complex. The new name, a tribute to a historic convent in the region, symbolizes the attempt to leave the past behind and start a new cycle of prosperity.
The Heart Of The New Gaslub Hub, The Largest Gas Processor In Brazil
The first phase of the complex, which is already 100% operational, focuses on natural gas. The Rota 3 pipeline, stretching 355 km, transports rich pre-salt gas from the Santos Basin directly to the Natural Gas Processing Unit (UPGN) in Itaboraí. With a capacity to process 21 million cubic meters of gas per day, this is the largest facility of its kind in Brazil.
The full operation of the unit, which began in May 2025, significantly increases the supply of gas to the national market. The UPGN separates the rich gas into three main products: Natural Gas for industrial and residential consumption, LPG (cooking gas), and C5+, a light naphtha of high value used as raw material by the petrochemical industry.
Lubricants And Diesel S-10
The future of the new Gaslub Hub is even more ambitious. The second phase of the project, with a planned investment of R$ 13 billion, focuses on the production of high-value derivatives. Bids for the construction work were launched in 2024, with construction expected to begin in 2025.
The big highlight will be the production of 12,000 barrels per day of Group II lubricating oils. This type of lubricant, which offers higher performance and is required by modern engines, is currently mostly imported by Brazil. Local production will reduce external dependence and position Petrobras in a more profitable market. In addition to lubricants, the complex will produce 75,000 barrels/day of Diesel S-10 and 20,000 barrels/day of Aviation Kerosene (QAV).
The Legal Dispute That Threatens The Project
Despite the optimism, a significant risk threatens the future of the complex. In March 2025, the Federal Public Ministry (MPF) filed a civil public action questioning the validity of the environmental licensing of the undertaking. The MPF argues that due to the scale of the project and its impact on federal conservation units, the license should have been issued by IBAMA (federal agency), instead of INEA (state agency).
The action creates considerable legal uncertainty and could lead to delays or, in the worst-case scenario, the suspension of future works. The outcome of this legal battle is currently the main challenge for the consolidation of the new Gaslub Hub as a development driver for Rio de Janeiro and Brazil.
A comunidade (Alto do Jacu) tem sinalizado e denunciado os impactos que estão abalando tanto a saúde quanto a estrutura de suas residências e nenhuma providência foi tomada pelos órgãos públicos responsáveis. Além do barulho ensurdecedor, pressão nos ouvidos, as trepidações de portas e janelas, rachaduras, tem a fumaça que respiramos a noite toda, não deixa dormir (ar muito pesado).. Comunidade pede SOCORRO!
Olá. Tenho 20 hectares vendendo aqui no vizinho ao Gaslub. Na área estritamente industrial 👍🏻 a beira do rio Macacu chama (21)98167-8457
Eu quero saber se voces vai distribuir aparelhos auditivos a população próxima ao GASLUB devido ai barulho insuportável que a produção de voces fazem. Ahh! Importante frisar, o barulho é ainda maior a noite, acho que horario em que nao há monitoramento ne? Ta absurdo! Vergonhoso! E pior, tentamos reunião com voces pra falar sobre isso e nâo há ninguem que nos atenda.