"The news we've been waiting for has arrived," says the governor of Amapá regarding the license for research on the Equatorial Margin.
Clécio Luís celebrates Ibama's decision to authorize Petrobras for research; 495 jobs will be created and there will be an increase of R$175 billion to GDP
247 - The governor of Amapá, Clécio Luís, celebrated this Monday (20) the authorization of the Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (Ibama) that allows Petrobras to begin drilling wells for exploratory research in block FZA-M-59, located on the Equatorial Margin. The information was released by Agência Brasil.
On social media, Clécio stated: "The news we've been waiting for has arrived! Ibama has granted Petrobras the license to begin research on the Equatorial Margin. This is a historic step toward understanding Amapá's energy potential and the development of the Amazon!" According to him, the decision marks a new stage for the state in the national debate on energy and development.
Economic and strategic potential of the Equatorial Margin
The Equatorial Margin, considered by the federal government as the “new Amazon Pre-Salt”, encompasses one of the most promising offshore areas in the country for oil exploration. The region stretches from the mouth of the Oiapoque River, in the far north of Amapá, to the coast of Rio Grande do Norte.
Estimates point to reserves of up to 16 billion barrels of oil, with a production potential of 1,1 million barrels per day. In Amapá, exploration could boost Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by up to 61,2%, according to the National Confederation of Industry (CNI). The National Industrial Observatory also projects the creation of 495 formal jobs and an increase of R$175 billion to GDP.
Municipalities such as Oiapoque, Calçoene, Amapá, Macapá, Itaubal and Santana are among those that will benefit most, with expectations of growth in infrastructure, services, housing and technical training.
Silveira: the future of energy sovereignty
The Minister of Mines and Energy, Alexandre Silveira, also celebrated Ibama's decision and defended the advancement of research with environmental responsibility. "We have made a technical and responsible case for ensuring that exploration is conducted within the highest international standards and with concrete benefits for Brazilians. Our oil is among the most sustainable in the world, with one of the smallest carbon footprints.", he said.
Silveira also highlighted that the Equatorial Margin “represents the future of our energy sovereignty” and publicly thanked the Minister of the Environment and Climate Change, Marina Silva, for her collaboration in the licensing process.
Split reactions and environmental pressures
The authorization, however, reignited the clash between economic and environmental sectors. Civil society organizations, scientists, and environmentalists criticized Ibama's decision and announced they will go to court to point out technical flaws and environmental risks.
Critics warn of the impacts on the Amazon and the potential damage to Brazil's image in COP30, which will be held in Belém next month. For these sectors, the region is a global priority in the energy transition and must be protected from fossil fuel exploitation.
Oil sector celebrates
Energy sector entities celebrated the decision. The Unified Federation of Oil Workers (FUP) declared that the production will be crucial for national economic development. The Brazilian Institute of Oil and Gas (IBP) stated that the license granted to Petrobras will bring significant economic gains to Brazil.
