By Brazil Stock Guide – Petrobras (PETR4.SA) plans to restart operations at its biodiesel plant in Quixadá, Minas Gerais, as part of a broader push to expand lower-emission fuel production, Chief Executive Officer Magda Chambriard said on Friday (20).
The facility, inaugurated in August 2008, has been idle since 2016 and remains in a hibernation state. Its reopening aligns with the company’s strategy to strengthen its biofuels portfolio and support energy transition initiatives.
Chambriard made the announcement during an event marking renewed investments at the Gabriel Passos refinery (Regap) in Betim, where Petrobras is advancing projects focused on cleaner fuel production and operational efficiency.
At the refinery, Petrobras is already producing coprocessed diesel blends, including R5 and R10, which incorporate 5% and 10% biodiesel, respectively, during the refining process. According to Chambriard, the use of coprocessed diesel can significantly curb emissions.
“The coprocessed diesel can enable emissions reductions of around 87%,” she said.
Regap has also become the first Petrobras refinery to operate with solar power, a milestone highlighted during the event. The company is preparing a second phase of upgrades aimed at further improving sustainability metrics.
“In the next phase, Regap will be energy self-sufficient and very conservative in water use,” Chambriard added.
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