Petronas Brazil Launches National Challenge to Boost Nature-Based Solutions and Advance Energy Transition

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Published on 26/11/2025 at 14:46

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Initiative Launches Unprecedented Public Call for R&D Projects Focused on Carbon, Biodiversity and Community Impact

PETRONAS Brazil launched its first Innovation Challenge on November 10, 2025, a public call for Research, Development, and Innovation (R&D) created to stimulate Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) capable of generating high-integrity carbon credits. Additionally, the initiative aims to support the energy transition aligned with the National Climate Plan, according to the guidelines of the National Agency of Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels (ANP).

Throughout the process, PETRONAS emphasized that the program, available for Brazilian universities, companies, and startups, was designed to generate environmental and community benefits, as emphasized by Suhana Sidik, Country Head of PETRONAS Brazil, in a statement made in November 2025.

Central Objective of the Challenge

The initiative focuses on accelerating projects that enhance the conservation, restoration, and management of natural ecosystems. In this regard, the company highlighted that “the goal is to encourage environmentally robust and socially inclusive solutions”, reinforcing its global commitment to a low-carbon energy model.

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Permitted Strategic Themes

To ensure technical alignment, the challenge was structured around three thematic axes:

• Theme A – Forest Restoration and Carbon Sequestration

Projects aimed at innovation in monitoring, carbon quantification, and social inclusion, with emphasis on equitable governance models and shared benefits.

• Theme B – Blue Carbon Ecosystems

Initiatives that prioritize restoration of degraded mangroves, integrating technology and community involvement, with a focus on biodiversity and local livelihoods.

• Theme C – Agroforestry and Regenerative Agriculture

Proposals that encourage large-scale carbon credits, using Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) systems to ensure economic viability.

Why Participate

According to PETRONAS, all proposals will be evaluated, and subsequently, the winners will receive financial support to transform studies into implementable projects. In this way, the company reinforces its alignment with R&D programs required by the ANP, directly contributing to long-term climate goals.

Established Scientific Partnerships in Brazil

PETRONAS highlighted three relevant projects developed in recent years:

BlueShore – USP (2024–2025): study on carbon sequestration in mangroves.
Brown Seed – BioBureau (2024–2025): research on seaweeds for CO₂ absorption and bioproduct development.
Biochar – UFRN and Geowellex (2024–2025): production of biochar using native plants from the semi-arid region.

How to Submit Proposals

Submissions must be made between November 10, 2025, and February 28, 2026, through the official website of the Innovation Challenge Brazil program. Furthermore, each proposal must adhere to the technical guidelines of the ANP and fit within one of the three defined themes.

Who Can Participate

Eligible participants include accredited institutions, Brazilian companies, and startups working in renewable energy, emissions reduction, and energy transition projects.

PETRONAS’s Operations in Brazil

PETRONAS has been present in Brazil for over 15 years, operating in the upstream, downstream, specialty chemicals, and maritime sectors. Since 2019, the company has participated in offshore operations in the pre-salt and maintains industrial and scientific partnerships. Additionally:

It operates in the maritime sector with AET Tankers, present since 2012.

It operates the FPSO Marechal Duque de Caxias through MISC.

It has maintained a lubricants factory since 2008 in Contagem (MG).

It expanded fuel stations in July 2024, exceeding 70 units.

It operates in specialty chemicals with subsidiaries BRB and Perstorp.

Petronas Brazil Launches National Challenge to Boost Nature-Based Solutions and Advance Energy Transition

Initiative Launches Unprecedented Public Call for R&D Projects Focused on Carbon, Biodiversity and Community Impact

Central Objective of the Challenge

Permitted Strategic Themes

• Theme A – Forest Restoration and Carbon Sequestration

• Theme B – Blue Carbon Ecosystems

• Theme C – Agroforestry and Regenerative Agriculture

Why Participate

Established Scientific Partnerships in Brazil

How to Submit Proposals

Who Can Participate

PETRONAS’s Operations in Brazil

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Petronas Brazil Launches National Challenge to Boost Nature-Based Solutions and Advance Energy Transition

Initiative Launches Unprecedented Public Call for R&D Projects Focused on Carbon, Biodiversity and Community Impact

Central Objective of the Challenge

Permitted Strategic Themes

• Theme A – Forest Restoration and Carbon Sequestration

• Theme B – Blue Carbon Ecosystems

• Theme C – Agroforestry and Regenerative Agriculture

Why Participate

Established Scientific Partnerships in Brazil

How to Submit Proposals

Who Can Participate

PETRONAS’s Operations in Brazil

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Australia prepares to dredge 96.5 million m³ in Moreton Bay to deepen, widen, and realign channels of the Port of Brisbane, in a project of up to 25 years designed to accommodate larger ships and enhance maritime safety and regional port efficiency.

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