Equatorial Margin Could Add R$ 419 Billion to GDP, Petrobras Study Shows
A study by Petrobras estimates that exploration of the Equatorial Margin could generate up to 2,1 million jobs.
247 - Petrobras' (PETR3; PETR4) General Manager of Environmental Licensing and Environment, Daniele Lomba, stated that the Equatorial Margin, a new exploratory frontier extending from Rio Grande do Norte to Amapá, could represent a milestone for the country's economic and energy growth.
According to Estadão ContentLomba highlighted, in a lecture at the Getulio Vargas Foundation (FGV), that the basins in this region are even larger than those in the Southeast – Campos, Santos, and Espírito Santo – which have been responsible for sustaining the state-owned company's production since the 1950s. "From Rio Grande do Norte to Amapá, it's an area larger than the basins in the Southeast, so it's important to understand this potential, which will be essential for our self-sufficiency," he stated.
New frontier and energy security
Aligned with Petrobras president Magda Chambriard, Lomba defended the addition of oil as a strategy to guarantee global security in the sector, rather than a simple transition. "Oil is necessary to guarantee the planet's energy security, and no major producer of the commodity has stopped producing because of environmental concerns," she said.
The executive emphasized that exploration of the Equatorial Margin could play a key role in combating energy poverty and strengthening the Brazilian economy. "New frontiers are essential to guarantee energy security and help end energy poverty," she stated.
Billion-dollar impact and job creation
Based on a study conducted by Petrobras, Lomba presented optimistic projections on the economic impact of the Equatorial Margin. The simulation, inspired by the experience of Guyana, a neighboring country that produces around 700 barrels of oil per day, indicates that Brazil could achieve significant results.
According to the survey, full exploitation of the region could generate 2,1 million direct jobs, add R$ 419 billion to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and collect R$ 25 billion in taxes, in addition to R$ 20 billion in royalties and special participations.
Sustainable development perspective
The study reinforces the potential of the Equatorial Margin as a driver of energy self-sufficiency and sustainable growth. For comparison, the current GDP of Amapá is approximately R$ 23 billion, which demonstrates the estimated impact.
