RIO DE JANEIRO, Jan 2 (Reuters) – Brazil’s new mines and vitality minister Alexandre Silveira mentioned on Monday that state-run oil firm Petrobras (PETR4.SA) would play a number one function in increasing the refining sector, and careworn the significance of growing renewable sources.
Petrobras would encourage different teams to affix the method, Silveira mentioned throughout an official occasion to begin his time period in workplace.
“It’s pressing that we enlarge and increase our refineries, taking them to the nation’s areas and modernizing the vegetation,” he mentioned, with out detailing the place they might be increasing.
Silveira added {that a} nationwide deficit in refining capability makes the inhabitants “hostages to the importation of oil merchandise and pure fuel,” leaving Brazil’s market uncovered to “fixed and abrupt fluctuations.”
The ministry and Petrobras’ new administration would work “very intently” on the nation’s important points, he mentioned.
The ministry would search to “revalue” biofuels and embody them in Brazil’s essential vitality system by way of protected and environment friendly long-term insurance policies, Silveira mentioned.
Fixed modifications within the percentages of necessary blends of biofuels in gasoline bought at service stations hurts the sector, he added, saying the federal government would get your hands on the technical parameters to determine a great mix.
Silveira additionally introduced the creation of a Nationwide Vitality Transition Secretariat, which might be devoted completely to structuring public insurance policies aimed to place Brazil as a world chief in clear vitality – a high problem for the brand new ministry.
Pure fuel and biomass might be particularly distinguished as Brazil appears to be like to construct a medium- and low-carbon financial system, added Silveira.
“The way forward for our technology must be guided in the direction of innovation and the growth of renewable sources,” he mentioned.
Reporting by Marta Nogueira; Modifying by Sarah Morland and Grant McCool
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