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The resumption of natural gas production through the Polo GasLub, in Itaboraí, Rio de Janeiro, is the hope for better days for Petrobras, after the decline of Comperj, which resulted in R$ 28,3 billion in the pockets of Brazilians.
The Polo Gaslub will begin receiving natural gas from the pre-salt layer. This step is important because it is the entry into operation of the Natural Gas Processing Unit (UPGN). It is a symbolic milestone, representing the resumption and sanitation of the former Petrochemical Complex of the State of Rio de Janeiro (Comperj), in the city of Itaboraí, whose works and promises began in 2006 and represented a loss of more than R$ 28 billion for Brazilian society, after the cases of corruption at Petrobras, revealed by the Lava Jato operation.
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Petrobras Institutional Video about Polo Gaslub 15/02/2022
The former Comperj was Petrobras' most audacious project. The complex occupies an area of 45 million m², in the municipality of Itaboraí, in Rio de Janeiro.
To this day, it is not known exactly how much would have to be spent for the entire Comperj to be completed. Experts estimate that more than US$ 5,3 billion (17,1 billion in Reais) would be needed.
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However, now with the GasLub hub processing natural gas directly from the pre-salt layer, hope is for better days for Petrobras, after the decline of Comperj.
In view of the importance of the GasLub hub in processing “rich gas”, in minimizing losses, expanding the collection of taxes and duties; in the possibility of attracting investors and creating direct and indirect jobs, Petrobras is also working on publicizing the project.
On its social networks, the state-owned company posted an institutional video saying that the Gaslub hub brings a “new economic meaning to Petrobras' investments in the region” and “a potential to multiply opportunities”.
What will be the production and flow capacity of the Natural Gas Processing Unit at the GasLub Hub?
The entry of natural gas into the GasLub Complex occurs through the Guapimirim-Comperj I gas pipeline (Gaserj) and enables the start of operations of utility systems, mainly the Steam Generation and Distribution Unit.
The UPGN is part of the Rota 3 project, which also involves the gas pipeline and the infrastructure for operation and control and the utility systems (steam, water, compressed air, power and others).
The GasLub hub will have the capacity to drain and process 21 million cubic meters per day of natural gas from the Santos Basin pre-salt layer. Route 3 and Routes 1 (UPGN Caraguatatuba/SP) and 2 (Terminal Cabiúnas/RJ) – which are already in operation – have a total capacity to transport 44 million cubic meters of gas per day.
“More than a set of installations and processing units, we are dealing with a multipurpose project of great strategic value for Brazil, which will contribute to greater national energy security”.
Joaquim Silva and Luna – President of Petrobras
Integration between the GasLub hub in Itaboraí and the Duque de Caxias refinery
Petrobras' 2022-2026 Strategic Plan evaluates the integration of the assets of Polo GasLub in Itaboraí with the Duque de Caxias refinery (Reduc). The objective would be the production of basic lubricating oils and fuels. The planned investment is US$ 1,5 billion. Furthermore, the construction of a thermoelectric power plant at Polo GasLub is under study.
For the governor of Rio de Janeiro, Cláudio Castro, the objective is to consolidate the state as the main energy 'hub' in Brazil.
“Rio de Janeiro is responsible for 63% of the country's natural gas production, and the partnership with Petrobras at GasLub will allow the implementation of an attractive industrial center in Itaboraí, encouraging the development of a production chain of materials and equipment for the sector. ”.
Cláudio Castro – Governor of Rio de Janeiro during the event that marked the beginning of the operational tests of Polo GasLub on February 11th
