OTC Brazil connects the potential of the Equatorial Margin to R$4 billion in annual investments in R&D
Panels with Petrobras, TotalEnergies, Equinor, Shell, GALP, and ANP reinforce how investment in technology is the key to safely unlocking new energy frontiers.
Rio de Janeiro, October 30, 2025 – The final stretch of OTC Brazil 2025, which ends today (30) at ExpoRio, was marked by the direct connection between the future of energy production and massive investment in innovation. The panels consolidated the view that the potential of new frontiers, such as the Equatorial Margin, can only be unlocked safely and with low carbon emissions thanks to the billions of reais invested annually in Research and Development (R&D) in the country.
In a panel dedicated to the Equatorial Margin, on Wednesday (29) evening, Petrobras' Exploration and Production Director, Sylvia dos Anjos, defined the region as the sector's “next great frontier.” “We see great hope in the region,” she said, detailing that the well being drilled has a total depth of 7,081 meters. Reinforcing the area's potential, Artur Nunes da Silva, country chair of TotalEnergies in Suriname, presented the GranMourgu project, which demonstrates that it is possible to “combine efficiency, innovation, environmental responsibility, and social impact” in a reserve estimated at almost 760 million barrels.
To enable operations of this complexity, a panel of R&D leaders from major operators (Shell, TotalEnergies, Equinor, GALP, and Petrobras) and the ANP on Thursday (30) showed how technology has been key to this advance. The ANP's R&D clause, which allocates 1% of resources to innovation, was highlighted as a fundamental pillar. According to Mariana França, deputy superintendent of the ANP, these resources totaled R$4 billion in 2024 and are the “main mechanism for promoting energy transition” in Brazil.
The executives detailed how this resource is used to meet the challenge of generating more energy with fewer emissions. Petrobras reported that the clause has already resulted in R$3 billion invested by the state-owned company in infrastructure and 1,400 patents, with an additional US$1 billion planned for R&D over the next five years. Equinor highlighted partnerships with universities such as UFRJ in robotics, and TotalEnergies cited the use of drones (AUSEA) to detect and measure CO₂ and methane emissions in operations.
GALP, in turn, has 45 active projects financed by the R&D clause, while Shell highlighted initiatives in decarbonization, solar energy, and LNG. The consensus is that investment in R&D is what allows the industry to move toward a more efficient and sustainable energy future.
In the context of decarbonization, another panel highlighted a study presented by Professor Florian Pradelle of the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro (PUC-Rio), in collaboration with Shell Brazil, which presented alternatives for meeting the 40% emission reduction targets by 2040 set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
The study analyzed four routes for decarbonizing maritime transportation. “The goal was to identify the most competitive solution, with the best premium in relation to fossil fuel,” explained Pradelle. The study pointed out that, although routes using methanol and ammonia offer greater potential for decarbonization, they face significant volume and cost barriers, making them unfeasible for most long-distance operations. The research highlights the urgent need for investments in infrastructure, in addition to strengthening regulatory frameworks and financial incentives.
About OTC Brasil
OTC Brazil 2025 is being held at ExpoRio Cidade Nova from October 28 to 30 and has Petrobras as Master Sponsor; Shell and TotalEnergies as Diamond Sponsors; Equinor, ExxonMobil, Petronas, PRIO, and TechnipFMC as Platinum Sponsors; Gold sponsorship from Brava, Chevron, and Repsol Sinopec; Silver sponsorship from bp; and Bronze sponsorship from OceanPact, PERBRAS, Vallourec, and Tenaris. EcoPetrol Brasil is a sponsor of Club Offshore, BTG Pactual Advisors is the Official Bank of the event, and the Rio de Janeiro State Government's Secretariat of Energy and Maritime Economy is a Strategic Partner. United Airlines is the official airline of OTC Brasil, and S&P Global Commodity Insights is the Knowledge Partner. B&T XP is the Official Foreign Exchange Broker; Ambipar is the Official Emissions Offsetting Partner; and the Brazilian Society of Naval Engineering (Sobena) is the Guest Association. The event also has the following media partners: eixos, Petro&Química, Brasil Energia, Tn Petróleo, Upstream, Offshore, and Oil & Gas Journal. The event also has the Institutional Support of ABEEMAR, ABEMI, ABESPETRO, ABIMAQ, ABPIP, ABRACO, AHK Mercosul, Arpel, CESAR, EIC, Energy Workforce & Technology Council, Firjan SENAI SESI, IADC, IAPG, Rede Petro ES, SBGf, Syndarma and Abeam, and Visit Rio.
