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Petrobras Confirms New Contracts for Trem 2 at Abreu e Lima Refinery (RNEST), Strengthening National Oil Refining Capacity and Expanding Strategic Production in the Northeast
On October 24, 2025, Petrobras announced the completion of all necessary contract signings for the resumption of construction of Trem 2 at the Abreu e Lima Refinery (RNEST), located in Ipojuca, Pernambuco.
The investment exceeds R$ 8.3 billion, as announced by Agência Petrobras. This strategic milestone promises to revolutionize the oil refining sector, significantly increase national production, and boost the Brazilian economy.
Petrobras Accelerates Resumption of Trem 2 with Focus on RNEST Expansion
The initiative aligns with the 2024–2028 Strategic Plan of the state-owned company, which aims to strengthen the country’s energy infrastructure and ensure greater autonomy in fuel production.
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The resumption of Trem 2 represents a decisive advancement in national refining capacity, with direct impacts on job creation, industrial competitiveness, and energy security.
The decision to resume Trem 2 at RNEST comes after a technical and economic reevaluation of the project, which had been halted since 2015. Petrobras has concluded nine contracts with specialized companies, such as Consag Engenharia, Tenenge, CPL, Possebon, Tecnosonda, and Schneider Electric, all selected through public bidding in accordance with Law No. 13.303/2016.
The scope of the contracts includes civil works, electromechanical assembly, equipment supply, and automation systems. The expectation is that the activities will intensify in the coming months, with peak execution between 2026 and 2027.
Doubling Refining Capacity and Reducing External Dependence
With the completion of Trem 2, the Abreu e Lima Refinery will be able to double its processing capacity, increasing from the current 115,000 barrels per day to around 260,000 barrels daily. This will allow for greater production of derivatives such as S-10 diesel, gasoline, aviation kerosene, and fuel oil.
The expansion of refining capacity contributes to reducing dependence on imports, especially diesel, which represents a significant portion of national consumption.
According to data from ANP, Brazil maintains significant dependence on diesel imports, with estimates around 20% of national consumption. With Trem 2 operational, this proportion is expected to drop substantially.
Petrobras Investment: Job Creation and Stimulation of the Regional Economy
The Trem 2 project at RNEST is expected to generate more than 30,000 direct and indirect jobs, boosting various sectors of the economy. The construction will involve professionals in engineering, logistics, industrial assembly, safety, environment, and general services.
Moreover, the economic impact extends to the production chain, including local suppliers, service providers, and regional commerce. The expectation is that the project will contribute to the growth of Pernambuco’s GDP and strengthen the Northeast’s role in the Brazilian energy matrix.
RNEST: Strategic Hub for National Oil Refining
The Abreu e Lima Refinery is considered one of the most modern in Latin America, featuring cutting-edge technology and a high conversion rate. Since its inauguration in 2014, the unit has played an essential role in supplying the Northeast, reducing logistics costs and ensuring consistent fuel supply.
With the activation of Trem 2, RNEST will establish itself as one of the main oil refining hubs in the country, contributing to the balance of national supply and to the competitiveness of the sector. RNEST strengthens the Northeast as a key player in Brazil’s energy infrastructure.
Sustainability and Innovation in the Trem 2 Project
The project incorporates sustainable practices and innovative technologies, such as atmospheric emissions control systems, industrial water reuse, and energy efficiency.
Petrobras reinforces its commitment to energy transition, integrating solutions that minimize environmental impacts and enhance operational performance.
According to the 2024–2028 Business Plan, the state-owned company aims to invest in refining with a lower carbon footprint, aligning with global sustainability goals. Trem 2 will be an example of how to balance industrial growth with environmental responsibility.
Governance, Transparency, and Legal Security at Petrobras
All contracts were executed based on public bidding processes, adhering to corporate governance principles. Petrobras emphasizes that the process was conducted with transparency, legal compliance, and technical rigor, ensuring legal security and institutional credibility.
The adoption of good governance practices is essential to attract investments, mitigate legal risks, and ensure efficient project execution. The state-owned company also reinforces its commitment to integrity and combating corruption, maintaining internal and external audits throughout the construction.
Reflections on the Market and Energy Geopolitics
The increase in national refining capacity can significantly alter the Brazilian energy landscape. With greater internal production, the country reduces external vulnerabilities and strengthens its position as an exporter of derivatives. This may influence internal prices, trade balance, and international agreements, as well as attract new investments to the sector.
By expanding its refining capacity, Petrobras also contributes to the stability of the internal market, avoiding abrupt price fluctuations and ensuring predictability for consumers and businesses.
Trem 2 at RNEST: Symbol of Industrial Recovery and Future Vision
Petrobras’ billion-dollar investment in Trem 2 at Abreu e Lima Refinery is a watershed moment for the oil refining sector. With over R$ 8.3 billion invested, the project promises to expand national production, create jobs, strengthen the economy, and promote sustainability.
RNEST establishes itself as a reference in technology and efficiency, while Petrobras reaffirms its strategic role in the country’s development. For Brazil, this movement represents more energy, more autonomy, and more future.
The resumption of Trem 2 is not just an engineering project. It is a symbol of industrial recovery, faith in Brazilian potential, and a strategic vision for the coming years. The oil refining sector gains new momentum, and the country moves towards a more robust, clean, and competitive energy matrix.
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