Petrobras has begun commercial operations at the natural gas processing unit (UPGN) at Boaventura Energy Complex in Rio de Janeiro, the company announced on Monday.
The UPGN is currently operating with the first of two modules that will come on line, at a partial processing capacity of 10.5 mcm (370.8 mcf) per day. The second unit is expected to become operational by year-end 2024 and bring total processing capacity to 21 mcm (741.6 mcf) per day.
UPGN is part of the Route 3 Integrated Project (PIR3), a strategic asset that will allow Petrobras to increase the supply of gas to the domestic market. PIR3 channels raw gas from the Tupi, Búzios and Sapinhoá gasfields, among others, to produce derivatives including LPG and C5+, a raw material for petrochemicals and fuel production.
“The startup of PIR3 is essential for the country and for increasing Petrobras’ competitiveness in the new dynamic environment of the national gas market. We have strengthened our asset portfolio, invested in Brazil and will be able to reduce imports. With this, we are able to offer new commercial conditions to customers and increase our supply reliability,” said Maurício Tolmasquim, Petrobras’ director of energy transition and sustainability.
In 2023, Petrobras entered into gas supply agreements with distributors and free consumers for more than 70 bcm (2.4 tcf) under contracts that extend into 2034.