Oil Extraction in Santa Catarina Could Yield Billions of Reais, But Environmentalists Point Out Possible Impacts

The Extraction and Production of Oil Off the Coast of Santa Catarina Is Debated Among Experts and Environmentalists Who Are Against It

In October, the ANP (National Petroleum Agency) will hold its 17th auction for dozens of exploration blocks off the coast of Santa Catarina. However, experts say there is no reason to stop using this energy matrix, which could yield billions of reais in royalties. Environmental entities, on the other hand, outline the worst-case scenario with the possibility of oil extraction in the waters of Santa Catarina. They point to mass layoffs, compromising the fishing industry and tourism. Also, see this news: Historic Action on Oil Royalties Is Favorable to Santa Catarina and May Generate Compensation for the State

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The State of Santa Catarina Could Grow Significantly from Oil Exploration

Pedro Rodrigues, director of the Brazilian Center for Infrastructure, explained that oil today has extremely advanced technology. It is no longer that image of a rig in the middle of the desert gushing oil everywhere. Today, there are very demanding standards, and the rules must be followed and compensations made.

The executive also emphasizes that with these rules in place, extraction is very safe. It is a wealth that needs to be explored. If we do not use it today, we will lose this wealth underground. Oil generates many resources in royalties, creates an environment for job generation, and new companies. When we have radicalism, it is detrimental; both Brazil and Brazilians lose, concluded Pedro.

Daniel Bettú, a professor in the Petroleum Engineering Department at Udesc in Balneário Camboriú, says that the demand for oil will continue to grow over the next 20 years and that there is a need to increase production by 20%, including for the manufacture of inputs for the operation of clean and sustainable energies. Oil is not, in fact, the energy of the future. Investing in renewable energy matrices is the way forward. But if there is a market for the next 20 years, there is no reason to give up this wealth, the resources of which may be earmarked for sanitation, health, and education, for example.

The Ongoing Importance of Extracting and Producing Oil

The professor of the Petroleum Engineering Department at Udesc states that it is healthy for the global energy sector to transition to renewable sources, but in the coming decades, it is inevitable that new discoveries will occur to prevent energy and raw material shortages for many products, including raw materials for renewable generation systems.

Daniel explains that the works related to oil exploration in the Pelotas Basin must undergo environmental impact studies, which will determine the least possible impact. These studies will consider the migration paths of various species and guide the best location for structures. Similarly, tourism would be affected from the perspective of the landscape. However, the platforms could be situated further offshore, without compromising the natural beauty, concluded.

Environmentalists Against Extraction in Santa Catarina

The coordinator of the Environmentalist Parliamentary Front of Santa Catarina, Deputy Paulinha, says that traditional mullet fishing may end off the coast of Santa Catarina, and beach tourism will be compromised. According to her, “In addition to the fact that there have been no necessary studies, no public hearings have been held with the population of Santa Catarina and the southern coast.”

The parliamentarian also states that studies are lacking, including analyses of Sedimentary Basins, environmental impacts, and adequate contingency plans. It is reckless to auction off the areas without prior technical references. Even if there is no spill, contamination will be inevitable, and the extent of the damage and losses that the coast of Santa Catarina will suffer is unknown.