Petrobras S.A. PBR, a Brazilian state-owned energy company, has announced the startup of the first phase of commercial operations at its new natural gas processing plant (“UPGN”) at the Boaventura energy complex (BEC). The complex, located in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, is part of the Route 3 integrated project (PIR3). The Route 3 integrated project in Brazil is being developed to increase transportation and processing capacity for the gas being extracted from the pre-salt fields in the Santos Basin offshore Brazil.

Boaventura UPGN’s Processing Capacity

Petrobras mentioned that Train 1 of its new natural gas processing facility is currently processing approximately 10.5 million cubic meters of natural gas per day. The gas comes from the presalt cluster of the Santos Basin through the newly developed Route 3 pipeline, which spans approximately 355 kilometers. Train 2 of the natural gas processing facility is expected to start commercial operations by the end of the year, per a statement from Petrobras. Following the startup of the second train, the plant’s total gas processing capacity is anticipated to be 21 million cubic meters per day.

The natural gas processing unit at the Boaventura energy complex is part of an integrated gas-flow system, which has been developed to improve gas flows from Brazil’s pre-salt fields, including Tupi, Búzios, Sapinhoá and others.

The Boaventura UPGN receives gas from the PIR3 pipeline with a transportation capacity of 18 million cubic meters per day. The gas processing facility can process the feedstock received into at least three derivatives. Petrobras noted that the gas is not only processed into natural gas and LPG but also into C5+, a valuable raw material used in the petrochemical and fuel producing industries.

The Role of Boaventura UPGN in Brazil’s Energy Security

The Boaventura UPGN is a crucial part of the PIR3 project. The beginning of commercial operations at the Boaventura UPGN marks an important step in the project’s larger goal of increasing the supply of clean energy in Brazil. This aligns with Brazil’s plans for a low-carbon future. Additionally, utilizing the gas production from Brazil’s presalt fields should help the country reduce its dependence on energy imports. The project is expected to increase Petrobras’ competitiveness and position in the natural gas market.

In 2023, Petrobras signed more than 34 natural gas-supply contracts. These contracts, collectively, cover the planned sales of more than 70 billion cubic meters of gas up to 2034. These moves are expected to boost Petrobras’ financial position and play a key role in Brazil’s energy transition toward a low-carbon future.