Petrobras begins procedures to start operating the natural gas processing unit (UPGN) in Rio de Janeiro

By Petrobras

This is a machine translation of the original press release issued in Portuguese.

September 11, 2024

Petróleo Brasileiro SA – Petrobras informs that it has initiated procedures to start operations at the largest natural gas processing unit (UPGN) in the country, located in Itaboraí [Gaslub Hub], in the metropolitan region of Rio de Janeiro. On September 9, the company obtained authorization from the National Agency of Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels (ANP) for industrial operation of the plant. The unit will receive gas from the pre-salt layer of the Santos Basin, transported through the Rota 3 gas pipeline, which will also start operations.

The Rota Integrated Project (PIR3), of which UPGN is a part, is strategic for Petrobras, as it will enable an increase in the supply of natural gas to the Brazilian market, with profitability for the company.

At this time, the final stages of preparation of the UPGN are being carried out, with the calibration of processes and equipment. At this stage, the gas is not yet available to the market. Commercial operations are scheduled to begin in the first half of October.

PIR3 will enable the flow of up to 18 million m3/day and the processing of up to 21 million m3/day of gas by UPGN, expanding the supply of natural gas to the national market and reducing dependence on imports.

Boaventura Energy Complex

Petrobras has renamed the Itaboraí Industrial Complex, where the UPGN is located, as the Boaventura Energy Complex, in reference to the São Boaventura Convent, located within the industrial complex and whose ruins were preserved by the company. The Complex will be inaugurated this Friday (13/9).

In addition to the pipeline implemented for the flow of natural gas and the UPGN, Petrobras is working on projects in the Complex, such as two gas-fired thermoelectric plants to participate in the auctions planned by the electricity sector, and plans to build other refining units for the production of fuels and lubricants.

After the completion of the construction of the entire Complex, the set of units will have the capacity to produce approximately 12,000 barrels per day (bpd) of Group II lubricating oils, 75,000 bpd of S-10 diesel and 20,000 bpd of aviation kerosene (QAV-1). The plant will operate in synergy with the Duque de Caxias Refinery (Reduc).