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Petrobras Announces Billion-Dollar Investment to Expand REDUC with an Increase of 110 Thousand bpd in Refining Capacity and Creation of 38 Thousand Jobs.
The Petrobras announced, on Friday (5), an ambitious plan to expand the refining capacity of the Duque de Caxias Refinery (REDUC), located in Rio de Janeiro. The president of the state-owned company, Magda Chambriard, highlighted that the increase will be greater than that already made at the Abreu e Lima refinery (RNEST) in Pernambuco.
Refining Capacity of REDUC Will Be the Largest in Petrobras’ New Phase
With a total investment exceeding R$ 33 billion in refining and petrochemicals, the project marks a new phase for the company, focusing on domestic production of derivatives, sustainability, and job creation.
The plan envisions an increase of 110 thousand barrels per day (bpd) to REDUC’s capacity, more than double the 50 thousand bpd recently added to RNEST.
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The goal is to reduce dependence on imported fuels and strengthen the country’s energy self-sufficiency.
The expansion of REDUC is also linked to the use of the infrastructure of the Rota 3 pipeline, the Boaventura Energy Complex (formerly Comperj), and the creation of renewable fuel production hubs.
The president of Petrobras stated that the expansion of REDUC’s refining capacity is the largest project of its kind in the company’s current investment cycle.
“Recently, we announced the successful completion of the expansion of the first train at RNEST. It added 50 thousand barrels per day.
What we will do at REDUC is double that: 110 thousand more barrels per day,” said Magda Chambriard during the event.
This significant growth positions REDUC as a key piece in Brazil’s strategy for reindustrialization and energy security.
REDUC Becomes a Symbol of Domestic Fuel Production
The investment reinforces Petrobras’ commitment to internal production of derivatives, something that the company’s president made a point to emphasize.
“We do not like to import derivatives. We want these fuels to be produced here, generating jobs and income, and demonstrating the capacity of the Petrobras system,” said Chambriard.
In addition to increasing the production of S-10 diesel — with 76 thousand bpd more — REDUC will also enhance its aviation kerosene (QAV) production by 20 thousand bpd, and lubricants by 12 thousand bpd.
REDUC has already started producing coprocessed diesel, with 5% renewable content, and has received authorization from ANP to raise this percentage to 7%.
The SAF (sustainable aviation fuel), produced with up to 1.2% vegetable oil, will also be manufactured at the refinery.
According to Petrobras, the commercial production of SAF at REDUC will have a capacity of up to 50 thousand m³ per month (equivalent to 10 thousand barrels per day), with an expected start in the coming months.
This advancement reinforces the company’s vision regarding the importance of an inclusive and viable energy transition. “I do not like the expression ‘fuel of the future’.
We are already producing the fuels of the present with a focus on Net Zero by 2050,” commented Magda.
Boaventura Complex and Rota 3 Support REDUC’s Growth
The new refining capacity of REDUC will be made possible thanks to the synergy with other strategic projects of Petrobras, such as the Rota 3 pipeline and the Boaventura Energy Complex in Itaboraí.
In the complex, a BioQAV plant will be installed, with the capacity to produce 19 thousand barrels daily of renewable fuels, such as HVO (100% renewable diesel) and SAF. The structure will also have two natural gas thermoelectric plants, whose projects have already been approved.
These thermoelectric plants will replace the current steam generation system and should use part of the gas processed at the UPGN (Natural Gas Processing Unit) in Itaboraí, optimizing resources and improving energy efficiency.
Investments in Maintenance and Jobs at REDUC
The expansion of REDUC’s capacity also includes operational safety. Petrobras will allocate up to R$ 2.4 billion for maintenance shut-downs between 2025 and 2029, ensuring the integrity of the facilities.
Furthermore, the initiative will stimulate the job market. The estimate is the generation of 38 thousand jobs, both direct and indirect, in areas such as welding, electricity, and boiler making.
“In partnership with Firjan, we will train the professionals that will be needed for this new moment,” highlighted the CEO of the state-owned company.
Political Support for REDUC’s Expansion and Petrobras’ Management
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva attended the event and publicly praised Magda Chambriard’s performance in leading Petrobras.
“Anyone who looks at Magda at first glance thinks she is fragile. But the surprise is that she is extraordinarily competent. I am very proud of Petrobras,” said Lula.
The Minister of Mines and Energy, Alexandre Silveira, also praised the executive, highlighting her “wisdom, lucidity, and courage” in conducting the state-owned projects.
In addition to REDUC, the Boaventura Complex may receive new plants for the production of acetic acid and monoethylene glycol (MEG), essential products for the chemical industry and plastics.
Braskem will also expand its polyethylene plant, increasing capacity by up to 230 thousand tons per year, with an estimated investment of R$ 4 billion.
These projects enhance the integration between refining, petrochemicals, and energy sectors, consolidating REDUC as one of Petrobras’ most strategic centers.
Meus Parabéns ao Presidente Lula a Presidente da petrobrás ao ministro das minas e Energia ao Diretor Geral da REDUC e a todos que estarão envolvidos neste grandioso Projeto , como ex colaborador da Área de Petróleo & Gás inclusive como prestador de serviço na Área de Projetso de Tubulação Industrial desta Grandiósa companhia que é a Petrobrás hoje já aposentado tenho o orgulho dos dois Filhos meus , que também são prestadores de serviços desta grande Empresa um como Fiscal de Obras e Montagens na REDUC e o outro como Sub Oficial de Maquinas no Pré – Sal na Bacia de santos mais uma vez meus Parabéns a todos Avante Brasil