2023-05-30 00:10:38
Petrobras: Refinaria Riograndense could be the first Brazilian biorefinery
A partnership between Petrobras (BVMF:), Braskem (BVMF:) and Ultrapar (BVMF:), Refinaria de Petróleo Riograndense (RPR) will become the first Brazilian biorefinery, according to Petrobras. The unit, which was the first refinery built in Brazil, signed this Monday a technological cooperation agreement with Petrobras to carry out industrial tests for the generation of petrochemical products and fuels from entirely renewable sources.
Once success has been proven, Petrobras’ technology licensing contract has already been negotiated. The state-owned company will invest around R$ 45 million in the project. “The technology represents a new frontier for biorefining in the country”, highlighted the state-owned company in a note.
The first industrial test is scheduled for next November, and should last up to five days. The second will be held in June 2024.
For the president of Petrobras, Jean Paul Prates, the tests at RPR demonstrate the company’s commitment to the energy transition: “Petrobras is a pioneer in the development of technology capable of boosting opportunities for biorefining in Brazil,” he said.
“In partnership with our partners at Refinaria de Petróleo Riograndense, we are advancing and pursuing the decarbonization of our processes, generating products with renewable content, which are more sustainable and efficient for society”, added the president.
The technology that will be used was developed by Petrobras’ Research and Development Center (Cenpes).
Currently, RPR’s main activity is the production and sale of derivatives, especially gasoline, diesel oil, petrochemical naphtha, fuel oil, LPG (cooking gas), in addition to other derivatives. Its market is concentrated in the southern region of Brazil, especially in the state of Rio Grande do Sul. The refinery has an installed processing capacity of 17,000 barrels/day.
With the success of the initiative, RPR will be the first refinery in Latin America to be converted to operate as a biorefinery and process inputs from 100% renewable sources.
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