Petrobras Unveils 2026-2030 Business Plan with Focus on Pre-Salt Investment and Sustainable Aviation Fuel Production
Petrobras outlines a $109 billion investment plan focused on pre-salt oil production alongside launching Brazil's first certified sustainable aviation fuel, signaling a strategic pivot towards sustainability and financial prudence.
- • Petrobras plans $109 billion investment for 2026-2030 with 72% dedicated to Exploration & Production.
- • The new plan sees a 2% reduction in investments versus the previous cycle and focuses on high-return pre-salt assets.
- • Petrobras produced and delivered the first ICAO-certified sustainable aviation fuel in Brazil, sending 3,000 m³ to Galeão Airport.
- • The sustainable aviation fuel can reduce CO₂ emissions by up to 87% and complies with 2027 international and domestic aviation regulations.
Key details
Petrobras has released its business plan for 2026-2030, setting a strategic investment agenda totaling $109 billion with an emphasis on Exploration & Production, particularly in Brazil's pre-salt oil fields. The plan, featuring a near 2% reduction in investment compared to the previous cycle, allocates 72% of funds ($78 billion) to these areas, maintaining a focus on high-return assets. Amid cautious investor reactions, indicated by a nearly 3% drop in Petrobras shares on Brazil’s B3 stock exchange after the plan's announcement, market responses abroad remained stable.
Pedro Rodrigues, an oil and gas expert, notes the plan’s prudence reflects expectations of lower Brent crude prices but lacks significant structural changes. Rodrigues underscores the challenge Petrobras faces in balancing financial discipline with the need for a long-term vision to avoid perceptions of strategic stagnation.
In a significant development aligned with its sustainability goals, Petrobras announced the production and first delivery of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) made entirely in Brazil. On December 5, 2025, the company shipped 3,000 cubic meters of SAF to distributors at Tom Jobim International Airport (Galeão) – roughly a day's consumption at Rio de Janeiro’s main airport.
Petrobras is the first Brazilian producer of SAF certified by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), with the fuel capable of replacing conventional jet kerosene without modifications to aircraft or refueling infrastructure. President Magda Chambriard highlighted that the product meets rigorous international aviation standards, strategically positioning Brazil to comply with upcoming regulations from 2027 under the CORSIA program and domestic mandates.
Produced at the Duque de Caxias Refinery using processed vegetable oils such as technical corn and soybean oil, the SAF has the potential to reduce CO₂ emissions by up to 87% for its renewable portion. Further refinery integration is planned, with facilities in São Paulo and Minas Gerais set to commence production by 2026, expanding the national supply and reinforcing Petrobras's commitment to sustainable energy solutions.
This article was synthesized and translated from native language sources to provide English-speaking readers with local perspectives.