Petrobras announces investments in refining and petrochemicals in Brazil

Energy Complex (Itaboraí – RJ) and Reduc (Duque de Caxias – RJ) involves an estimated investment of R$26 billion. This amount is included in the 2025 - 2029 Business Plan (PN 2025 - 2029), and service packages for the projects are currently in the bidding phase.

 

This new structure will increase S-10 diesel production by 76 000 bpd, 56 000 of which will come from quality improvements and 20 000 from additional capacity. The project also provides for a 20 000 bpd increase in jet fuel production capacity and a 12 000 bpd increase in Group II lubricating oil production.

The project also includes a dedicated bio jet fuel plant at the Boaventura Complex, with a production capacity of 19 000 bpd of renewable fuels, including hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF); and two gas-fired power plants at the complex, which will participate in capacity reserve auctions. The engineering project for the power plants has been approved, and the units will leverage synergies with the infrastructure of the Itaboraí Natural Gas Processing Unit (UPGN).

A lubricant oil re-refining project with a capacity of 30 000 m³/month (6300 bpd) is also under evaluation at Reduc. With the operation of the Boaventura Complex for Group II lubricant oil production, Reduc may repurpose existing units to re-refine used oil, applying the circular economy concept to generate high-value products from waste. The co-processing test has already been authorised by ANP and is expected to take place in 2025.

Decarbonisation at Reduc

Reduc has completed a test for producing the first jet fuel with renewable content (SAF) through co-processing, reaching up to 1.2% corn oil in jet fuel production. ANP authorisation has already been granted, and commercial production at Reduc is scheduled to begin in 2025, with a capacity of up to 50 000 m³/month (10 000 bpd).

Reduc already produces Diesel R5, with 5% renewable content, and has received ANP authorisation to begin testing a new 7% blend for Diesel R7 production. These initiatives reinforce Petrobras’ commitment to the decarbonisation of its products and the energy transition.

Petrobras plans to build a new thermal power plant at Reduc to replace obsolete steam and power generation equipment, with expected investments of R$860 million, enhancing reliability and bringing the refinery up to the highest international efficiency standards.

Investments of up to R$2.4 billion in maintenance shutdowns at Reduc are also planned from 2025 to 2029, to ensure the integrity, reliability, and safety of the facilities. Major shutdowns are scheduled for 2026 in the delayed coking and hydrotreatment units of the refinery.

Petrochemicals

In the petrochemical segment, a study for the production of acetic acid and monoethylene glycol (MEG) is under evaluation at the Boaventura Complex. Acetic acid is an important raw material for the production of paint, PET, and the broader chemical industry. Brazil currently imports its entire acetic acid demand and complements MEG demand with imports.

In addition to Petrobras’ projects in the region, Braskem, a Petrobras affiliate, is planning to expand its polyethylene plant, increasing the unit’s production capacity by up to 230 000 tpy. The project, which uses part of the natural gas processed at Route 3 of the Boaventura Complex, is budgeted at around R$4 billion and remains subject to the necessary approvals by Braskem’s governance bodies.

Read the article online at: https://www.hydrocarbonengineering.com/refining/04072025/petrobras-announces-investments-in-refining-and-petrochemicals-in-brazil/