“Exploration at the mouth of the Amazon is safe and does not threaten the environment,” says Unifap professor

247 - In interview with TV 247Professor Charles Chelala, from the Federal University of Amapá (Unifap) and vice-leader of the Research and Advanced Studies Group in Petroleum and Sustainability (FOES) in the Amazon Basin, detailed the reasons why he considers oil exploration in the Equatorial Margin, the so-called Amazon River Mouth, to be safe, and why it represents a strategic opportunity for Brazil in the context of the energy transition.

“Oil production, especially offshore, has a very low impact. It is high-risk, but impact and risk are different things. Impact tends to occur with the activity; risk only occurs in the event of an accident. And even so, Petrobras has a history of safe operation, without significant accidents,” explained Chelala.

The professor clarified that the exploration block is located approximately 500 kilometers off the coast of Amapá, far from the actual mouth of the river. "The basin is called the Mouth of the Amazon, but the drilling site is very far from the coast. It's a mistake to imagine that drilling is happening inside the river mouth," he stated.

Chelala pointed out that the ocean currents in the region push any potential oil spill out to sea, not towards the coast.

“Simulations show that the force of the Amazon River's waters pushes any dispersion towards the ocean. Sediments from the river have even been found on the coast of Africa. Even Greenpeace, when it released buoys with GPS, verified that none touched the shore,” he pointed out.

He also pointed out that Amapá has one of the richest mangrove coastlines on the planet, and that studies have shown virtually no impact in the event of a spill.

Chelala also said that there would be no threat to corals in the exploration area. “Live corals have never been observed in that region. What exists are geological formations without a strong presence of life. This misinformation arose from misinterpretations and ended up being exploited politically,” he explained.

According to the professor, the confusion surrounding "corals of the Amazon River estuary" and the basin's nomenclature fueled opposition to exploration, even without a scientific basis.

The expert pointed out that the exploration block was auctioned in 2013 and that the environmental licensing process dragged on for years due to flaws in the initial analyses carried out by foreign companies.

"When Petrobras took over 100% of the operation, it thoroughly redid everything, including creating a wildlife hospital in Oiapoque," he said.

The accident simulation, called Pre-Operational Assessment (POA), involved the dispersal of inert liquids and buoys representing animals to test the state-owned company's emergency plan.

"It was the most in-depth study ever done in that region. Petrobras created science. It's a good thing it's Petrobras, because if it were other companies, I wouldn't feel so safe," Chelala stated.

Energy transition and national sovereignty

According to the researcher, exploration of the equatorial margin is essential to maintaining the country's energy security until the transition to renewable sources is consolidated.

"Brazil produces 3,6 million barrels per day and consumes almost three million. The pre-salt reserves will begin to decline from 2030 onwards. If we don't explore new reserves, we will have to import more expensive and more polluting oil," he warned.

Chelala highlighted that Brazilian oil is among those that emit the least greenhouse gases and that Petrobras is a pioneer in carbon sequestration and reinjection in oil wells.

He also highlighted that part of the royalties and taxes, which can reach R$ 2,3 billion annually in Amapá alone, should be directed to riverside, quilombola, and indigenous populations, in addition to investments in alternative energies.

"Amapá is a powerhouse in solar, wind, and hydroelectric energy. We have the potential to produce green hydrogen. Oil revenue could be the impetus for this energy leap," he said.

Development and socioeconomic risks

The professor warned, however, about the social and urban impacts that the new economic cycle could bring to the state.

"Amapá's GDP is small and dependent on the public sector. This activity will change our economic structure, but it will also attract migration, real estate speculation, and put pressure on infrastructure and public services," he noted.

He advocated for advance preparation by municipalities and investments in education, sanitation, and professional training.

“I am much more concerned about the Oiapoque landfill and the lack of sanitation than about the oil-covered wildlife. If we prepare well, we can transform this opportunity into sustainable development,” he stated.

Chelala confirmed that Petrobras is now the sole operator of the exploration block, after buying out the shares held by Total and British Petroleum.

“This is fundamental. Petrobras has the knowledge and responsibility necessary to operate safely. Brazil masters deep-water exploration technology like few other countries in the world,” he concluded.