Federal Government and Petrobras announced the expansion of the Abreu e Lima Refinery (RNEST), which will generate 30 thousand jobs and increase the production of Diesel S10. The project is part of Petrobras' Strategic Plan 2024–28+ and the government's New PAC.
Petrobras and the federal government announced this Thursday (18/01), the resumption of investments in the Abreu e Lima Refinery (RNEST), located in Ipojuca, Pernambuco. The expansion of the unit, which is part of Petrobras' Strategic Plan 2024–28+ and the government's New Growth Acceleration Program (PAC), will generate around 30 thousand jobs direct and indirect costs and increase the national production capacity of Diesel S10, a low sulfur fuel.
See: Resumption of works at the Abreu e Lima Refinery — RNEST
RNEST: the Petrobras refinery that will generate 30 thousand jobs and increase diesel production
The launching ceremony of the RNEST Project was attended by the President of the Republic, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, the president of Petrobras, Jean Paul Prates, and other authorities, such as representatives of the Civil House and the Ministry of Mines and Energy (MME).
On the occasion, Petrobras' Autonomy and Income Program was also launched, which aims to support workers and communities affected by the energy transition.
The RNEST Project foresees the construction of Train 2 of the refinery, which will double the unit's oil processing capacity, increasing from 130 thousand to 260 thousand barrels per day.
The forecast is that Train 2 will enter into operation in 2028, after the completion of the works, which should begin in the second half of 2024.
With this, RNEST will produce around 13 million liters of Diesel S10 per day, in addition to other derivatives, such as gasoline, LPG and naphtha.
RNEST Train 2 will double the unit's oil processing capacity
In addition to Train 2, the RNEST Project also includes the construction of the first SNOX unit in Brazilian refining, which will convert the polluting gases sulfur oxide (SOx) and nitrogen oxide (NOx) into a new product for sale.
The SNOX unit is already under construction and should start operating in 2024.
Another planned work is the expansion of the production of Train 1 (Revamp), which will allow for an increase in load, better flow of light products and greater processing capacity for oil of the pre-salt.
The expectation is that the Trem 1 Revamp will be completed in the first quarter of 2025.
The president of Petrobras, Jean Paul Prates, highlighted that the company's investments in refining, such as the RNEST Project, will contribute to making the country self-sufficient in fuel production, reducing dependence on imports.
He stated that Petrobras plans to increase diesel production by 40% in the coming years, considering all projects to adapt and improve the industrial park and the supply and logistics chain.
Prates also highlighted that Petrobras will invest US$17 billion in refining, transport and commercialization projects in Brazil over the next five years, to expand diesel production capacity and gradually offer products for the low-carbon market.
About RNEST
RNEST is the most modern refinery ever built by Petrobras and began operations in 2014, with the first set of units (Train I).
The refinery is strategic for the region and the country, as it is Petrobras' main hub in the North and Northeast Regions and has easy access by cabotage to consumer markets.
It is worth noting that RNEST is the first refinery built by Petrobras in 34 years and meets the national demand for petroleum derivatives.
