Pictured is Abreu e Lima Refinery (Rnest) on December 2, 2025. Photo: Presidency

By Brasil 247 - Petrobras President Magda Chambriard said on Tuesday (December 2) that Brazil plans to raise its oil refining capacity to 400,000 barrels per day by 2030. She made the announcement at the Abreu e Lima Refinery (Rnest) in Ipojuca, Pernambuco state, during a ceremony presenting new investment plans for the facility.

Citing the refinery's strategic role, Chambriard stated that "Rnest is the most modern refinery in Petrobras' network," noting that the expansion will also require complementary investments in port and rail infrastructure. According to her, Rnest will be able to surpass 200,000 barrels per day in refined output.

Earlier in the day, the presidential office said Petrobras will invest approximately R$12 billion to complete Train 2 and conduct maintenance on Train 1. The upgrades are expected to add 130,000 barrels per day to Rnest's processing capacity. The refinery is projected to reach 260,000 barrels per day by 2029.

Rnest also incorporates sustainability initiatives, including plans to install a photovoltaic plant aimed at reducing natural gas consumption in operations.

According to Brazil's Minister of Mines and Energy, Alexandre Silveira, the Abreu e Lima facility is expected to become the country's second most significant refinery, second only to Paulínia (Replan), in São Paulo state. 

(Reported by Brasil 247 on December 2, 2025)