Búzios field breaks natural gas export records in August

The Búzios field, in the Santos Basin pre-salt, broke natural gas export records in August, according to information released by Petrobras this Wednesday (26).

The average export of natural gas in one month surpassed the mark of 10 million cubic meters per day (m³/d). The previous monthly record was from March 2026, with 9.1 million m³/d.

Located on the coast of the state of Rio de Janeiro, 180 km from the coast, the field is in ultra-deep waters, 2,100 meters deep.

According to the company, the monthly milestone was also accompanied by a new record for daily exports. On August 6, Búzios reached 14.1 million m³/d, surpassing the previous peak of 13.9 million m³/d, recorded in July.

According to Petrobras, the gain does not arise from the entry of new production systems, but from the optimization of existing units.

The company highlights that, among the main initiatives, is the modernization program for the gas treatment plants on platforms P-74, P-75, P-76 and P-77, with the replacement of carbon dioxide (CO₂) removal membranes.

The project, which began in 2025, increased the export capacity of these units from around 1.5 million to 3 million m³/d per platform, with the potential to reach even higher levels after additional process adjustments. The FPSO Almirante Barroso unit also contributes to the results achieved.

"The expansion of gas export capacity will continue in the coming years, with the systems planned for the P-78 and P-79 platforms coming into operation by 2027. At the end of the field development, of the 12 planned platforms, eight will have gas export capacity, including the Búzios 12 unit, scheduled to start operations in 2032 and estimated capacity of 5.5 million m³/d", Petrobras said in a note.