Petrobras Announces Decision to Resume Construction of the RNEST Project After Thorough Analyses. Resumption of Construction Aims to Expand National Refining Capacity and Increase S10 Diesel Production
On July 29, Petrobras announced a decision that promises to shake up the oil and gas industry: the resumption of the works on Train 2 of the Abreu e Lima Refinery (RNEST). The company’s Board of Directors has made the final decision to restart the construction of this project, which had been halted since 2015. This news brings hope to the sector and promises to boost the Brazilian economy in the coming years.
The decision by Petrobras to resume the works on Train 2 of RNEST was based on a careful reevaluation of the project. The company confirmed that, based on the assumptions of its Strategic Plan 2023-2027, the project was found to be economically attractive. This analysis certainly takes into account the market and its needs, in addition to following all applicable governance guidelines and internal procedures.
With the resumption of construction, Petrobras mainly aims to expand national refining capacity and meet market demand for petroleum derivatives, especially S10 diesel.
The Abreu e Lima refinery, strategically located in Pernambuco, is connected to the national logistics system and plays a fundamental role in the development of Northeastern Brazil.
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The RNEST began operations in 2014, with the first set of units known as Train 1. This refinery, considered the most modern ever built by Petrobras, has the capacity to process 115,000 barrels of oil per day. With the completion of Train 2, the total processing capacity of the plant could reach 230,000 barrels per day, representing a significant increase in derivative production.
In addition, the resumption of the project will add approximately 13 million liters of S10 diesel per day to national production capacity. This is crucial for the Brazilian market, which increasingly demands this type of fuel. With the increase in RNEST’s capacity, Petrobras will be contributing to the supply and availability of petroleum derivatives, especially diesel.
The decision to resume the works on Train 2 of RNEST also reflects Petrobras’s commitment to modernizing its operations, considering not only economic viability but also the needs of society and the market. The company is dedicated to meeting demands for quality fuels in a sustainable and efficient manner.
It is important to highlight the history of RNEST to understand the significance of this resumption of construction.
The construction of Train 2 was halted in 2015, due to the unfolding of the investigations of Operation Car Wash, which involved Petrobras managers accused of irregularities in the construction of the project. This pause represented a significant challenge for the company and the sector as a whole.
Later, Petrobras attempted to sell RNEST, along with other refineries, as part of an agreement with the Administrative Economic Council (CADE), but was unsuccessful in the negotiations. In 2021, the state-owned company decided to continue with the construction of the refinery, and with the change in management, the project gained new momentum.
Now, with the confirmation of the resumption of works on Train 2 of RNEST, Petrobras is committed to fulfilling its role in the oil and gas market, contributing to the development of the country and meeting consumer needs. This decision demonstrates the company’s confidence in the project and in the sector’s growth potential in the coming years.
The resumption of RNEST’s works is an excellent opportunity for investors and companies in the oil and gas sector. With the expansion of national refining capacity, new business opportunities will arise, both for suppliers of equipment and services as well as for qualified professionals who can work on this important project.
Therefore, the resumption of works on Train 2 of the Abreu e Lima Refinery represents a milestone in the oil and gas industry in Brazil. Petrobras is demonstrating its capacity for overcoming challenges and its commitment to sustainable development in the country. The expectation is that construction will be completed on schedule, so that RNEST can contribute even more to the economy and national supply.

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