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The second module of the UPGN, in the municipality of Itaboraí (RJ), increases the plant's capacity and reinforces Petrobras' presence in the national natural gas market.
Petrobras started the Operação commercial launch of the second module of the Natural Gas Processing Unit (UPGN) located at the Boaventura Energy Complex, in Itaboraí, in the state of Rio de Janeiro. With the expansion, the plant will be able to process up to 21 million cubic meters per day, adding to the first module, which has been in operation since the end of 2024.
The advance represents another step in strengthening Brazil's energy infrastructure, with a direct impact on reducing dependence on imported gas and expanding supply to industries, distributors and residential consumers.
Pre-salt natural gas and generation of derivatives
UPGN is part of the Rota 3 Project, developed to facilitate the flow of gas extracted from important pre-salt fields, such as Búzios, Tupi and Sapinhoá.
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The processing of raw materials generates three main products: Natural Gas (NG), LPG (cooking gas) and C5+, used as a base in the petrochemical industry and in the production of liquid fuels.
According to the board of directors of Petrobras, the start of operations of the second module is strategic to consolidate the company in the new environment of free competition in the gas sector in Brazil.
“Petrobras is committed to offering even greater supply reliability to industrial and distribution customers committed to sustainable and competitive solutions. The commercial operation of UPGN module 2 is also essential to increase Petrobras’ competitiveness in the new dynamic and competitive environment of the national gas market,” said Maurício Tolmasquim, Director of Energy Transition and Sustainability.
Boaventura Complex consolidates itself as an integrated energy hub
The Boaventura Energy Complex has been structured to concentrate multiple fronts of energy production and generation.
In addition to the UPGN, the Petrobras already plans two thermoelectric plants powered by natural gas on site, with a forecast of participation in an electricity sector auction in 2025, in addition to new refining units for the production of fuels and lubricants.
These initiatives are part of a coordinated effort to ensure energy security, promote regional industrialization and generate qualified jobs.
Petrobras strategy aligned with energy transition
The company reinforces that the development of infrastructure in Itaboraí is directly linked to its long-term vision, which combines economic viability and environmental commitment.
“The Rota 3 Integrated Project provides robustness to the flow of gas from the pre-salt production fields, ensuring that it can be processed in different Petrobras units. The commercial operation at UPGN is yet another demonstration of Petrobras’ ability to deliver gas to the market,” explained Renata Baruzzi, the state-owned company’s Director of Engineering, Technology and Innovation.
With this, Petrobras continues to advance in its plan to modernize its gas chain, aligning efficient production, value generation and support for the national energy transition.
