Roberto Ardenghy, President of the Brazilian Petroleum and Gas Institute (IBP) and member of the Executive Committee of the Brazilian-American Chamber of Commerce, participated in an interview hosted by Victor Cezar Boyadjian, 2018 POY Fellow of the BrazilCham, expressing optimism regarding Petrobras’s exploration efforts in the Foz do Amazonas Basin.

Ardenghy emphasized that the region offers promising opportunities for oil exploration, especially as production in the Campos Basin (Rio de Janeiro) continues to decline. He noted that last year, oil ranked as Brazil’s leading export product, with pre-salt fields now accounting for more than 70% of the country’s total oil production. He also highlighted Brazil’s ability to produce oil sustainably, describing it as a “powerful strategic asset” for the nation — while also mentioning the rapid growth of data centers as a complementary sector driving technological progress.

According to Ardenghy, if a substantial quantity and quality of oil is confirmed in the region, it could generate thousands of jobs and stimulate intense economic activity. During the exploratory phase, wells will be drilled to assess the presence, volume, and quality of oil and gas, as well as reservoir conditions. Once the data is analyzed, the most efficient and environmentally responsible extraction strategy will be determined. With IBAMA and the National Petroleum Agency (ANP) approvals, exploration and production could begin within approximately eight years.

Ardenghy also warned that by 2033, Brazil will face a significant decline in oil output from the Campos Basin, increasing the risk of greater oil import dependency — a factor that underscores the urgency of advancing exploration in new areas.