Future of LNG
A mapping by ARAYARA identified 29 LNG terminals in different stages of development. Of these, 7 are already operational, and another 8 are undergoing environmental licensing. An alarming number: almost one-third of the planned terminals are in the Legal Amazon, a region already saturated with socio-environmental impacts.
Study Highlights
1. Overview of LNG in Brazil
● Brazil has 29 mapped LNG terminals:
7 operational, with a total capacity of 119 million m³/day.
1 under construction, with a projected capacity of 14 million m³/day.
8 in the environmental licensing phase.
13 in preliminary study stages.
2. Highlights of the Legal Amazon
● 8 terminals are located in the Legal Amazon (28% of the total):
1 operational.
4 in environmental licensing.
3 in initial studies.
Planned infrastructure:
● Foz do Amazonas-Calçoene pipeline: connection between production fields off the coast of Amapá and the city of Calçoene.
● Expansion of pipelines in Pará and Maranhão and projects along the Amazon River, connecting exploratory areas to the Itacoatiara terminal (in licensing).
● Gas produced in Foz do Amazonas could be used for liquefaction (LNG) and thermoelectric generation, serving both domestic and international markets.
3. Environmental Impacts and Challenges
● The expansion of LNG in the Amazon raises concerns about impacts on sensitive ecosystems and local communities.
● Environmental licensing for half of the planned terminals in the region is underway, emphasizing the need for rigorous impact assessments.
4. National Scenario
● The Pecém Terminal ceased operations in 2023 after operating with high idleness due to economic stagnation.
● The Sepetiba Bay FSRU, installed in 2022, supplies floating power plants in the Southeast and has been operational since October 2022, with plans to operate until 2025.
5. Perspectives
● LNG in Brazil is a strategic tool to meet energy demand and expand natural gas exploration.
● The Amazon region presents significant economic potential but requires planning that mitigates socio-environmental impacts, preserving ecosystems and integrating local communities.
