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Hydraulic fracturing, also known as fracking, is at the center of the global energy debate. This technique has transformed the economy and geopolitics of the United States, which went from being an oil importer to a leader in energy independence. This method has enabled the country to produce more than 70% of its oil and 80% of its natural gas. With this, the United States has not only reduced its trade deficit, but has also strengthened its strategic position in supplying energy to allied countries, especially in times of crisis, such as the war in Ukraine.
In Brazil, the debate on the future of Brazilian energy and the adoption of hydraulic fracturing is still limited, with some bans in certain states and little science-based discussion. Even so, Brazil consumes fuels derived from this process, importing, for example, increasing volumes of diesel from the US and natural gas from Argentina. For experts, it is essential that the country invests in research and technology, aiming for its own production that can reduce dependence on imports and generate jobs domestically.
The economic and geopolitical benefits of hydraulic fracturing for Brazilian energy
In the United States, hydraulic fracturing was a game changer. According to expert Allan Kardec, former director of ANP and president of Gasmar, technology has allowed that the country would stop being the world's largest importer of oil and become self-sufficient. As a result, the American economy strengthened, significantly reducing spending on oil imports.
In addition, hydraulic fracturing has played an important geopolitical role. Liquefied natural gas (LNG) produced in the US has become an essential resource for Europe, especially after the destruction of the Nord Stream pipeline, which cut off Russian gas supplies to Germany. In this context, fracking has been essential to ensuring energy security for European countries, highlighting the strategic importance of this technology.
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Brazil's dependence on imported fuels
Although Brazil does not yet widely use hydraulic fracturing in its production, the country is a major consumer of fuels from this technique. In 2022, diesel imports from the US reached approximately 1 billion liters, representing about 17% of total diesel imports in the country. This growth in imports highlights Brazil's dependence on foreign fuel, even with restrictions on the practice of fracking in some regions of Brazil.
Another example is natural gas imported from Argentina, which also uses hydraulic fracturing for exploration. In 2020, Brazil imported around 12 billion cubic meters of Argentine gas, representing approximately 30% of its gas imports that year. These imports have been crucial, especially during the colder months, when demand increases considerably.
Challenges and perspectives for the future of Brazilian energy
Despite benefits observed in other countries, hydraulic fracturing faces resistance in Brazil. The debate is often marked by ideological issues and a lack of scientific information. Some states have banned the use of the technique, even while consuming fracking derivatives from other nations. This external dependence reinforces the need for a more comprehensive and technically grounded debate on the future of Brazilian energy.
Experts such as Daniel Soeder, author of “Fracking and the Environment: A Scientific Assessment of the Environmental Risks from Hydraulic Fracturing and Fossil Fuels,” highlight the importance of a balanced analysis of hydraulic fracturing. Soeder addresses potential environmental risks, such as aquifer contamination and greenhouse gas emissions, and proposes the adoption of safe practices and regulations that balance energy development with environmental protection.
For Brazil, science and technology are essential for the country to be able to exploit its resources responsibly. Investing in research on hydraulic fracturing could be the way to achieve energy independence, generating jobs and strengthening the economy. Meanwhile, the country continues to export income and jobs to the United States and Argentina, by importing fuels that could be produced locally.
The adoption of hydraulic fracturing in Brazil still faces political and ideological barriers
However, as other countries demonstrate the economic and geopolitical benefits of this technology, it is important for Brazil to seriously consider the future of Brazilian energy. Investing in scientific research, technology development, and responsible regulation can pave the way for the country to explore hydraulic fracturing in a sustainable manner.
Hydraulic fracturing, therefore, is not just a question of independence energy, but an opportunity for Brazil to take control of its energy future and promote domestic economic development. In a competitive global scenario with growing geopolitical tensions, having its own energy production becomes essential for the country's sustainable growth.
such a damaging method that adds to the list of environmental and social threats that our country collects”, highlights engineer Juliano Bueno de Araújo, founder and director of the Non-Fracking Brazil Coalition (COESUS).
We believe that our campaign gains much more strength with popular participation and with an understanding of what this practice is. Therefore, we invite everyone to participate, engage in dialogue and join our actions against this predatory, devastating practice that threatens human life, our lands and our planet.
https://arayara.org/por-que-voce-precisa-saber-o-que-e-fracking/