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By Brasil 247 - The Brazilian government, political leaders and the oil industry have celebrated the decision by the environmental regulator Ibama to grant Petrobras a license to drill an exploratory well in the Equatorial Margin, off the coast of Amapá, in the northern region of the country. The authorization, announced days before the COP30 climate summit in Belém, sparked strong reactions across political, economic and environmental sectors.

Governor Clécio Luís of Amapá called the decision "a historic step" for the state. "The news we were waiting for has arrived," he said, praising the start of research activities that could lead to oil production in one of Brazil's most promising offshore areas. Senate President Davi Alcolumbre also celebrated, saying it was "the result of our leadership, the governor's work and Petrobras's competence," and defended that the Equatorial Margin could transform the future of the region.

The license allows Petrobras to drill the FZA-M-059 block, located about 500 km from the mouth of the Amazon River and 175 km from the Amapá coastline. The drilling is expected to last five months and aims only at research to confirm the existence and commercial viability of oil. The area is called the "new pre-salt of the Amazon" by government officials, with an estimated potential of up to 16 billion barrels according to federal government projections, and up to 30 billion barrels of oil equivalent, according to the national oil regulator ANP.

Economic expectations and national energy strategy

The Ministry of Mines and Energy says the project reinforces Brazil's energy sovereignty. Minister Alexandre Silveira stated that exploration will follow "the highest international environmental standards," describing the Equatorial Margin as "the future of our energy sovereignty." The Federation of Oil Workers (FUP) said the license is essential for "employment, income and wealth," while also helping to finance a fair energy transition.

The Brazilian Petroleum and Gas Institute (IBP), representing the oil and gas industry, also praised the decision. IBP president Roberto Ardenghy said the license "will allow the country to better understand its reserves, supporting energy security and socioeconomic development in the North." He added that developing new frontiers is essential as oil production in the Campos and Santos basins is expected to naturally decline after 2030.

Industrial associations estimate that oil activity in the Equatorial Margin could increase Amapá's GDP by more than 60%, generate up to 54,000 jobs and bring investments in infrastructure, housing and technical training. For Brazil, the oil and gas sector represents around 17% of industrial GDP and generates approximately 300 billion reais per year in taxes, royalties and special participation payments.

Environmental concerns and COP30 pressure

Environmental groups and civil society organizations have criticized the decision, warning of risks to marine biodiversity and Indigenous communities. Some international NGOs are preparing protests during COP30 in Belém, arguing that further oil exploration is incompatible with global climate goals. They say the Amazon should be prioritized for fossil fuel exclusion zones in global climate agreements.

Government officials and industry leaders counter that countries such as Suriname and Guyana, which share the Equatorial Margin geological basin, are already exploring similar oil reserves. They argue that Brazil should not forfeit its right to develop its natural resources while competitors advance.

Sovereignty and energy transition

Brazil says it remains committed to clean energy. Over 80% of its electricity matrix is renewable, mainly from hydropower, wind and solar. Officials emphasize that oil revenue will help finance decarbonization and social programs. They argue that renewable energy does not yet fully replace oil in the global energy matrix and that no major producer has abandoned exploration of new reserves.

The decision to authorize drilling before COP30 is seen by analysts as a strategic move to avoid international pressure and assert national sovereignty. Political leaders from the North, including Governor Clécio Luís and Senate President Alcolumbre, said the license represents development, jobs and dignity for the people of the Amazon region.

(Reported by Brasil 247 on October 21, 2025)