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Sustainable Revolution: Petrobras and Embrapa Unite in an Unprecedented Cooperation to Create Innovative Biofuels and Fertilizers from Renewable Raw Materials Such as Soybeans and Macaúba
Petrobras and Embrapa announced on Friday (9/6) the signing of a Cooperation Agreement (CA) aimed at boosting technical research focused on renewable raw materials. This collaboration aims to create low-carbon products, including biofuels, green chemistry, and innovative fertilizers.
Partnership with Embrapa: Development and Innovation
As part of the partnership, Petrobras commits to developing technological solutions and establishing industrial units for the production of biofuels and bioproducts. In return, Embrapa will focus on formulating a protocol for low-carbon agricultural crops, such as soybeans, and will adopt rational cultivation techniques, including a certification protocol for this crop.
In addition to soybeans, the agreement also covers the cultivation of alternatives, such as macaúba, off-season crops, and intercropped ones, such as second harvest corn and carinata (an oilseed). These options reflect the diversity of alternatives for agroenergy in the various biomes and production systems in the country.
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Benefits of the Partnership
Magda Chambriard, president of Petrobras, highlighted the importance of diversifying and accessing sustainable raw materials for the success of biofuels initiatives. “Diversification and access to raw materials with sustainability, quality, and adequate cost are fundamental. We also seek to offer fertilizer products to meet the goals of the National Fertilizers Plan. Embrapa has the expertise necessary to leverage these fronts,” she stated.
Silvia Massruhá, president of Embrapa, emphasized that the partnership with Petrobras is strategic to strengthen the company’s contributions to rural producers and public policies. She highlighted the success of Renovacalc, a tool developed by Embrapa that was crucial to achieving the milestone of 100 million Decarbonization Credits (CBIOS) in 2023. “This result will allow investments and savings of up to R$1.2 trillion in the next ten years,” said Massruhá.
Fertilizers: New Opportunities
The fertilizer sector will be one of the main focuses of the partnership, aiming to develop new products and facilitate their entry into the agricultural market. Among the expected innovations are fertilizers based on higher value-added urea, mixed fertilizers, fertilizers with differentiated granulometry, and new sustainable inputs with lower environmental impact.
The partnership aims to boost the sector and prepare Petrobras for a future of decarbonization. Embrapa will contribute to the development and proof of the agronomic effectiveness of these products, enabling the offering of fertilizers adapted to Brazilian crops and soils, promoting more productive harvests.
Resumption of Investments
Investment in fertilizers is once again a focus for Petrobras, according to the Strategic Plan (SP) 2024-2028. In August, the company announced the reopening of the Araucária Nitrogenados S.A. (ANSA) fertilizer plant in Araucária (PR). With this, Petrobras will begin the production of urea, ARLA 32 (Liquid Automotive Reducing Agent), and Ammonia in the national territory as early as the first half of 2025.
“We believe that technical and scientific data will be essential for the development of new products in the fertilizer market. Petrobras is committed to creating innovative solutions for this strategic sector for Brazil,” concluded Magda Chambriard.
