Aloizio Mercadante says he can raise the investment limit in the oil company; agreement will involve thematic groups
On Thursday (June 22), in Rio de Janeiro, Petrobras and BNDES (National Bank for Economic and Social Development) signed a cooperation agreement focused on energy transition, research, scientific development and reindustrialization.
A mixed commission was created, which will meet every 2 months. The president of the BNDES, Aloizio Mercadante, said that he intends to increase the investment limit in Petrobras and that, for that, he has been talking to the federal government.
“We have just over 7% of Petrobras’ shares, something around R$ 24 billion. This company is so important for the BNDES that, in 1 year and 3 months, we practically received the capital we have invested: R$ 20.5 billion in dividends. But we want to finance Petrobras’ energy transition more than receiving dividends. We have an ordinance from the Central Bank that establishes limits. We are discussing with the Ministry of Finance and the Civil House to change some rules and allow us to be more present in this financing”, stated.
The agreement will involve 4 thematic working groups:
- Subcommittee on Planning and Studies will encourage scientific research and strategic studies;
- Productive Development and Innovation Subcommittee will stimulate the supply chain of the oil and gas segment;
- Energy Transition and Decarbonization Subcommittee will strengthen biorefining, biofertilizers, biodiesel and biogas; It is
- Governance Subcommittee will prioritize governance, integrity and transparency actions in the sector.
The president of Petrobras, Jean Paul Prates, said that the partnership with the BNDES will be essential to face the challenges related to the energy transition.
“Imagine the challenge of being a producer of something that is doomed to disappear, but that you still have to produce, with very large investments, including for refining. All this in the midst of a process that you have to look at 30 or 40 years from now, and these products will no longer be there. And my job is to eradicate that need.” said Prates.
“All of our suppliers are also making their energy transitions. All in some way trying to rely less on supplying the oil and gas industry. And 15 years from now, we will certainly have difficulties in making a public notice and having classic suppliers”, added.
Gas
Prates commented on recent pronouncements by the Minister of Mines and Energy, Alexandre Silveirawhich criticized the state-owned company’s strategy of reinjecting more than 40% of the gas produced.
According to the minister, this process is due to difficulties with the flow, and Petrobras should invest more to solve the problem. Prates stressed that the state-owned company adopts the best method within the operational possibilities available. “It is not a question of Petrobras wanting to produce gas or not. Whatever gas she has, she wants to monetize”, he said.
“We need to work together, converge and choose priorities. Because if there is no gas for all segments – and there are segments that may have substitute fuels, including energy transition, such as hydrogen, solar, wind and water energy – let’s work on this set, instead of creating controversy where it doesn’t exist. We are going to work together with the Ministry of Mines and Energy”, completed.
With information from Brazil Agency.
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