Superintendence of Oil and Natural Gas 2026 CARBON CAPTURE, UTILIZATION AND STORAGE IN BRAZIL Contributions to Area Selection: 2025 Cycle
2 Warning TheinformationprovidedreflectstheviewoftheEnergyResearchOffice(EPE).However,thecontent presentedinvolvesarangeofknownandunknownrisksanduncertainties;therefore,thedataandanalyses hereinshouldbeusedforreferencepurposesanddonotconstituteaguaranteeoffutureachievementsor events. Thisdocumentisinformationalinnatureandisintendedtosupporttheplanningofthenationalenergysector. Thus,anysubsequentdecisions(suchaspublicpolicyformulation,definitionofstrategicguidelines,investment decisions,orbusinessstrategies)dependonotherpublicandprivateinstitutions. EPEdisclaimsanyresponsibilityforactionsanddecisionsthatmaybetakenbyeconomicagentsorany individualbasedontheinformationcontainedinthisdocument.
3 Public Value EPEconductsstudiesandresearchtosupporttheformulation,implementation,andevaluationofBrazilian energypolicyandplanning. Withinthedecarbonizationagenda,EPEcontributestoinformingdebateandsupportingdecision-makingon routesforcarboncapture,transport,utilization,andgeologicalstorageinBrazil,throughtheorganizationand systematizationofrelevanttechnicalinformation. Thisdocument,initssecondedition,expandsandupdatesthedatabase,withmethodologicalimprovements aimedatbetterreflectingthegeological,productive,andlogisticaldiversityofdifferentregionsofthecountry. Acknowledgingtheinherentlimitationsoftheexercise,thedocumentispresentedasatechnicalreferenceto supportplanningandtheprioritizationofopportunitiesincarboncaptureandstorageroutes,alsohelpingto reduceinformationasymmetriesamonginstitutions,sectoralagents,andsociety
4 Contents The Global Context of Carbon Capture and Storage Routes ..........................................................5 The National Scenario: Institutional milestones and regulatory agenda (2024–2025 ......................6 The National Scenario: Signs of maturation (projects, hubs, and innovation) .................................7 EPE’s Support in Route Planning ..................................................................................................8 Objective and Axes of Action .......................................................................................................9 Geological Perspective -Storage Sites .........................................................................................10 Geological Perspective - Knowledge Framework ..........................................................................13 Economic Perspective - Transport Infrastructure .........................................................................15 Economic Perspective -BECCS (Immediate Availability of Biogenic CO₂) ......................................18 Economic Perspective -BECCS (Potential Availability of Biogenic CO₂) .........................................21 Economic Perspective - Potential CCS/CCUS demand centers ....................................................24 Synthesis Map of Area Relevance ................................................................................................28 Key Findings ...............................................................................................................................35
5 TheGlobalContextofCarbonCaptureandStorageRoutes Successiverecordsofincreasesintheglobalaveragetemperatureshowthatthecarbonbudget isbeingrapidlydepleted(WORLD METEOROLOGICAL ORGANIZATION, 2026). Aswefailto reducethepaceofemissions,itbecomesincreasinglyurgenttoadoptmeasuresthat simultaneouslyreduceemissionsatthesourceandremoveCO₂fromtheatmosphere.Carbon captureandstorageroutes¹standoutastheonlysetoftechnologiescapableofplayingboth roles,reducingemissionsinkeysectorsandremovingtheresidualcarbonthatcannotbe avoided (IEA, 2020). 1 Inthisdocument,theacronymCCS(carboncaptureandstorage)isusedasanumbrellatermtoencompass thedifferentroutesthatinvolvecapturingCO₂-eitherfrompointsourcesordirectlyfromtheatmosphere-its transport,anditspermanentornon-permanentstorage(thereforeincludingutilizationroutes). CCSisenteringaphaseofacceleratedexpansion,drivenbymorerobustpolicies,greater private-sectorengagement,andexpansionofglobalinfrastructure.Morethan27countrieshave alreadyincludedCCSintheirnationalcarbonmanagementstrategies.AccordingtotheGlobal CCSInstitute(GCCSI),thenumberofcommercialfacilities(sumofoperational, under-construction,andplannedprojects)rosefrom628in2024to734in2025,with operationalunitsincreasingfrom50to77,whichraisedglobalcapturecapacityby23%injust oneyear,reachingabout64MtCO₂/yearofinstalledcapacity.AlthoughtheInternationalEnergy Agency(IEA)-anotherkeyreferenceinstitution-recordsslightlylowernumbers(445projects), duetodifferentmethodologiesandinclusioncriteria,theglobalsurgeininterestis unquestionable. Theyear2025markedaninflectionpointwiththestart-upofNorthernLights,thefirst cross-borderhubforCO₂transportandstorage.By2030,operationalCCScapacityisexpected togrowsignificantlyanddiversifybeyondtraditionalsectors,withlow-carbonhydrogenand ammonialeadingcapacityadditionsbeforebeingovertakenbyprojectsinpowergenerationand industrialheat. Bytheendofthedecade,NorthAmericaisexpectedtoremainthemainglobalCCShub,followed byEurope,whichisacceleratingthedeploymentofregionalhubs.IntheU.S.context,combining CCSwithnatural-gasplantsoffersfirm,cost-competitive,andlow-carbonelectricity-afeature increasinglyrelevanttosupportthegrowthofAIdatacenters,whoseenergydemandisrising rapidly (GCCSI, 2025). Sources: GCCSI (2025) e IEA (abr/2025) DifferencesbetweenGCCSIandIEAprojectnumbers/capacitiesreflectdistinctmethodologies,inclusioncriteria,and objectives. TheGCCSIdatabasetypicallyincludesallprojectsforCO₂capture,transport,storage,andutilization,regardlessof developmentstage,purpose(e.g.,includesEOR),andclimateimpact.Itiscloselylinkedwithindustrymembersand partners.TheIEAappliesamoreconservativeapproach,collaboratingwithgovernments,companies,andregulators. 64 44 405 48 47 467 0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450 500 OperationalUnder constructionPlanned 77 47 610 49 44 352 0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 OperationalUnder construction Planned GCCSIIEA Number of projectsCapture capacity (MtCO 2 /year) NUMBER OF PROJECTS AND CAPTURE CAPACITY BY STATUS, 2025
6 TheNationalScenario:Institutionalmilestonesandregulatoryagenda(2024-2025) Overthelasttwoyears,Brazilhastakenrelevantstepstostructuretheenabling environmentforcarboncapture,transport,utilization,andgeologicalstorage routes,amidgreaterinternationalvisibilityassociatedwithCOP30inBelém, heldattheendof2025. In2024,theenactmentofLawNo.14,993/2024(FueloftheFuture) providedthelong-soughtlegalframework,establishing-evenifinabasicform -thepillarfortheregulationandoversightofgeologicalCO₂captureand storageactivities,recognizingcentraldefinitionsforprojectclassificationand assigningaregulatoryroletotheNationalAgencyofPetroleum,NaturalGasand Biofuels(ANP). Inthesameperiod,LawNo.15,042/2024establishedtheBrazilianEmissions TradingSystem(SBCE),creatingprospectsforeconomicinstrumentsto supporttheviabilityofCCS/CCUSroutes-especiallyinsectorswith unavoidableemissions(so-calledhard-to-abatesectors). Asafollow-up,theMinistryofMinesandEnergy(MME),withinthePermanent TechnicalCommitteeofFueloftheFuture,createdasubcommitteespecifically dedicatedtoCCUS,whichconsolidatedthedraftdecreetoregulate CCS/CCUS/BECCS.Theproposalunderwentpublicconsultation(Nov17–Dec 16,2025),reinforcingagradual,learning-by-doingapproachwithpilotprojects andsettinggeneralguidelinesforauthorizationandtechnicalrequirements acrossthechain. Law No. 15,042/2024 Brazilian Emissions Trading System (SBCE) Law No. 14,993/2024 Fuel of the Future Creation of the CCUS Subcommittee Department of Oil and Natural Gas E&P Policies (DEPG/SNPGB/MME) Public consultation on the draft decree to regulate CCS/CCUS/BECCS SBCE Implementation Roadmap Ministry of Finance Decree No. 12,677 Creation of the Extraordinary Secretariat for the Carbon Market (Semc) Decree No. 12,768 Established the Permanent Technical Advisory Committee of SBCE 2024 2025 oct dec nov oct dec jul
7 TheNationalScenario:Signsofmaturation(projects,hubs,andinnovation) Alongsideinstitutionaladvances,therecentperiodshowssignsofmaturationofthe nationalmarket.PetrobrasprogressedwithinitiativesassociatedwithaCCUS/CCS hubandpilotprojectlinkedtotheCO₂streamfromtheUTGCabiúnas(RJ)and approvedtheSãoToméCCSPilotProject(Macaé/RJ),integratingcapture,transport, andstorageinasalinereservoir,withmonitoringbyregulatoryandenvironmental authorities (AGÊNCIA PETROBRAS, 2025b). Instrumentswerealsosignedtoexpandopportunities:amemorandumof understandingforCCUShubstudiesinEspíritoSantoandanagreementtodeepen studiesoncarboncaptureandstorageinBahia,withpotentialtostructureshared networksandreservoirmapping (AGÊNCIA PETROBRAS, 2024; 2025b). In removal and bioenergy routes, noteworthy initiatives include DAC.SI (Repsol Sinopec Brasil/PUCRS), focused on direct air capture with storage via mineralization, and FS’s BECCS project in Lucas do Rio Verde (MT), which advanced to subsequent implementation phases targeting capture and storage of fermentation CO₂ (MARCELINO, 2025a; 2025b; PUCRS, 2024). Asasignofastrengtheninginnovationecosystem,theEPE’sInova-eplatform recordsthatR&D&IinvestmentsintheenergysectorreachedBRL7.6billionin 2024(a33%increasevs.2023),acontextlikelytofavortechnologicalmaturation oflow-carbonsolutions,includingCCUS. CLIMATE PLAN AND THE ROLE OF CCS ROUTES IN BRAZIL TheClimatePlan(2024-2035)organizesthefederalmitigationand adaptationstrategyandmakesexplicittheneedtobroadenthesetof decarbonizationsolutions.Inthiscontext,BECCSandCCS/CCUSare treatedasrelevantroutestohelpmeetclimatetargets,byenablingboth emissionsmitigationinintensivesectorsandthecompensationof residualemissionsoverthelongterm(MMA, 2025). ENR.E.09 - Develop bioenergy production with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) ENR.E.10 - Strengthen biomass production for energy use; ENR.E.13 - Promote infrastructure for carbon dioxide transport and storage Structuring actions mentioned include: ENR.E.08 - DevelopingCarbonCapture,Transport,Use andStorage CCS/CCUS 1
BECCS 1 TheCCSandCCUSsolutionsarelinkedtoaspecificlong-termstructuringaction(ENR.E.08),directly impactedbyotheractions,suchasENR.E.13.
8 Since 2023, EPE has been structuring a study agenda on routes for carbon capture, transport, utilization and geological storage (CCS/CCUS/BECCS/DACCS) in Brazil. In 2024, the company published the first edition of its thematic notebook, advancing its contribution to the topic (EPE, 2024). Since then, EPE has broadened dialogue with industry, the energy sector, and academia through new materials -bulletins, fact sheets, chapters, participation in forums, among others -reinforcing its missionto make evidence accessible and connect multiple stakeholdersimpacted by national energy planning. As an institution supporting energy planning, EPE works on the organization and integration of technical and economic evidencethat help the debate and support decisions associated with decarbonization routes. By making data and assumptions more transparent, these studies help reduce information asymmetries among government, sector agents, industry, and academia, strengthening predictabilityand coordination of effortsin carbon capture and storage chains. Inthissecondedition,EPEdeepensthisagendaandconsolidatesmethodologicalandanalyticalimprovements toreflectthecountry’sregionaldiversity-withobjectivesandaxesofactionpresentednext. EPE’sSupportinRoutePlanning 01 02 03 04 05
Update the relevance map
for carbon capture,
transport, and geological
storage, integrating
available technical and
economic evidence in the
country.
Objective
Improve the
methodology
developed since the
first cycle (published
in 2024), expanding
capacity to extract,
qualify, and interpret
data.
Axis
1
Identify and
differentiate
hotspots suitable
for different routes
(CCS, BECCS,
DACCS, CCUS),
considering
geological and
logistical
conditions.
Axis
2
Map sectoral
opportunities and
challenges,
supporting
evaluation of
carbon capture and
storage routes as
an industry
decarbonization
strategy
Axis
3
Deepen EPE’s
contribution to
planning
CCS/BECCS/DACCS/
CCUS, strengthening
coherence between
public guidelines and
regional realities.
Axis
4
Consolidate EPE as a
national reference,
connecting CCUS to
other
decarbonization
options in the energy
and industrial
sectors.
Axis
5
METHODOLOGYMAPPINGINDUSTRIAL
SECTORS
HOTSPOTS &
ROUTES
INTEGRATIONPLANNING
Geological Perspective Storage Sites This map qualitatively identifies where there are geological formations with potential to store CO₂ underground. It brings together three main classes of storage sites: (i) depleted or depleting oil and gas fields, (ii) saline reservoirs, and (iii) mafic/ultramafic rocks with mineralization potential (storage via chemical reaction). To increase technical consistency, the mapping applies minimum viability criteria: presence of a caprock (to reduce leakage risk), typical depth ≥ 800 m for depleted fields and saline reservoirs (a condition in which CO₂tends to remain in a supercritical state), and a differentiated criterion ≥ 400 m for mafic/ultramafic rocks, given the nature of the mineralization trapping mechanism. 1 In this edition, the term “storage sites” was adopted to replace the designation previously used (“reservoirs of interest”), as it more accurately reflects the technical concept applied internationally (EPE, 2024). Furthermore, the use of the term “storage site” allows for a clearer understanding that the applied methodology encompasses not only the reservoir unit itself, but the integrated geological system, including the storage formation, the sealing rock(s), and the geological conditions that ensure CO₂confinement in the subsurface. This approach avoids restrictive interpretations and reinforces that the mapping considers the feasibility of the complete geological system required for the safe and permanent storage of CO₂.
11 StorageSites:Mainmethodologicaladvances Inthisedition,theanalysisofpotentialsitesexplicitlydifferentiatesmaficandultramaficrocksand, forthefirsttime,hasincorporatedasitewhosemainstoragemechanismismineralization:the tholeiiticbasaltsoftheSerraGeralFormation,intheParanáBasin.Inthiscase,theassessment prioritizedflowswithhigherferromagnesiansilicatecontent-suchasUrubici,Pitanga, Paranapanema,Ribeira,Esmeralda,andGramado-whichtypicallyshowporositiesbetween0.3% and28.3%.Thisupdateincreasestherepresentativenessofmineralizationwithintheportfolioof optionsforgeologicalstorageandimprovesthereadingofpotentialinBrazilianigneousterrains. Asaresult,inadditiontooutliningadditionalopportunitiesintheCampos,Santos,andPelotas basins,newareasofinterestemergeintheParanáBasin,especiallyinstretchespreviously underestimatedduetothehistoricalfocusonconventionalporousreservoirs(FREITAS, 2023). BASALT MINERALIZATION Thenewmappingincorporatesaprogressivepenaltyforreservoirslocatedfartherfrom thecoast,especiallythosebeyondthecontinentalshelf.Thisadjustmentaccountsfor greaterlogisticalcomplexity,additionalCO₂transportcosts,andtechnicalrequirements offacilitiesindeepandultra-deepwaters.Theupdatemakestheresultmoreconsistent withrealoperationalconstraintsinoffshoreprojects,allowingdifferentiationof opportunitieswithabetterbalancebetweenreservoirqualityandlogisticalfeasibility. Thus,moredistalregionsarenaturallydeprioritized,whileproximalregionswithhigher relativepotentialgainprominence. DISTANCE FROM THE COAST Themethodologynowincludesoilandgasfieldsthatarelikelytoreachdepletedconditionsover approximatelyaten-yearhorizon,basedonthelatestversionsofANP’sAnnualProduction Program(PAP),EPE’sDecennialEnergyPlan(PDE2035),andANP’sPermanentOfferlistingof relinquishedfields(reference:May/2025).Intotal,111onshoreandoffshorefieldswere characterized,consideringporosity,permeability,andeffectivethicknessusingdataprovidedby S&PGlobal.Includingtheseassetsmakesthemapmoreadherenttotheactualmaturationflowof Brazilianfieldsandstrengthenstheidentificationofopportunitieswithexistinginfrastructureand data.Theresultisaprioritizableportfolioofsiteswithamorerobusttechnicalbasisforinitial studiesandpre-feasibilityanalyses. DEPLETED FIELDSSEISMICITY TheanalysisnowpenalizesregionswheretheBrazilianSeismographicNetwork(RSBR) recordedshallowearthquakes(hypocenter≤10km)andhighermagnitudes(≥4, Richterscale).Thedecisionreflectstheimportanceoftectonicstabilityforlong-term storage,recognizingthatfaultsandfracturesassociatedwithintraplateseismicitymay compromiseCO₂containmentoverhundredsorthousandsofyears.Includingthe seismiccriterionenhancesthegeologicalsafetyfilterandreducestheprobabilityoffalse positivesinareaspronetoinstabilities-thusfocusingeffortsonregionswithlower geomechanicalriskandmorereliablereservoirandsealperformance.
12 Storage Sites Themethodologicaladvancesemployedcontributedtogreaterheterogeneityinexpectations regardingareaswithinBraziliansedimentarybasinsandincreasetheabilitytoplancoherent strategiescapableofidentifyingthebestopportunitiesonshoreandoffshore. Aclearexampleoftheeffectofthechangesadoptedwasdistinguishingreservoirsinmaficand ultramaficigneousrockswhich,especiallyintheParanáBasin,increasedthegranularityofthe qualitativestoragepotentialexpectationsacrosstheentirebasinandmadethecentralportion standoutmore. Itisworthnoting,however,thatallexpectationsrespondtothecontextinwhichtheanalysis anditsassumptionsweredefined.Therefore,asfieldtestingandreal-worldprojectsadvance,it isexpectedthatfuturecycleswillchangetheindicatedrelevances. TOTAL 175 Effective Reservoirs The Recôncavo, Espírito Santo- Mucuri, and Potiguarbasins are those that concentrate 3 or more candidate fieldswith the best combinations of criteria (porosity, permeability, and effective thickness) considered fundamental for evaluating injectivity, volumetric capacity, and reservoir quality. 7 7 6 4 3 1 1 Santos SEAL Potiguar Campos Espírito Santo-Mucuri Camamu-Almada Ceará OFFSHORE 34 16 9 7 6 4 3 3 Recôncavo Espírito Santo-Mucuri Potiguar Sergipe Tucano Sul Alagoas Parnaíba Solimões ONSHORE DEPLETED FIELDS SITES The areas of greatest relevance continue to fall on the proximal portions of the high-potential offshore basins(Santos, Campos, Espírito Santo-Mucuri) and the new frontier with well-established E&P activities (SEAL, Potiguarand Ceará) and saline reservoirs with high prospects. The recognition of good reservoirs and the presence of fields that could serve as storage sitesare favorable points for estimating high relevance on land in all mature basins(Alagoas, Espírito Santo- Mucuri, Potiguar, Recôncavoand Sergipe). In the new frontier basins with prominent O&G sector activity, such as Parnaíba and Solimões, there is also high relevance, especially in the portions with candidates for sites in depleted fields. The São Francisco Basin maintained its increasing relevance westward, where saline and carbonate reservoirs with high prospects occur. AlthoughthefirstrecordsofearthquakesinBrazildatebackonlytothebeginningofthe20thcentury,theBrazilianSeismographicNetworknow hasaround100stationsdistributedthroughoutthenationalterritory.Evenso,thereisgreatheterogeneityincoverage,especiallyinregions withlowequipmentdensity,suchasthenorthernportionandareasundertheAmazonrainforest.Althoughthecountryisinatectonically verystablesituation,expandingthenetworkisessentialtoidentifyandmonitorseismiceventsrelevanttotheplanningofgeological carbonstorageprojects,aswellasotherstrategicinfrastructureworks..
Geological Perspective Knowledge Framework This map shows where there are geological and geophysical data capable of supporting technical decisions with greater confidence on geological CO₂storage. It serves as an indicator of subsurface knowledge maturity, combining the presence of exploratory wells and 2D/3D seismic surveys. In practice, it helps distinguish areas with greater uncertainty (few data) from those better characterized (many data), supporting the prioritization of investments in additional studies, exploratory campaigns, and risk reduction prior to demonstrative or commercial projects.
14
Knowledge Framework
Once again, the positive effect of
O&G exploration activity in
identifying deep reservoir and seal
layers is emphasized.
Given that only about half of the
Brazilian sedimentary area has
geological and geophysical data
coverage, the clear need to
acquire data in interior portions
remains, especially in the
Center-West and South regions.
Considering all types of
processing led to an increase in
importance across the entire
continental margin and in the
Paraná Basin. On the other hand,
restricting to wells with digital logs
increased heterogeneityof results
in onshorebasins.
Theanalysisretainedtherestrictiontoexploratorywells
availableintheNationalAgencyofPetroleum,NaturalGas
andBiofuels(ANP)(https://geomaps.anp.gov.br/geoanp/)
databasebutconsideredonlythosethattheagency’swell
tableindicatesashavingconventionaland/ordigitallogs.
Thisselectionseekstoensurethatthefinalwellsetused
providesaminimumsuiteofinformationneededforbasin
characterizationandgeologicalsupporttoselectpotential
storagesites.
EXPLORATORY WELLS
Alltypesofprocessingarenowconsidered,sinceessential
informationforidentifyingsuitablestructuresmaybe
presentinbothpre-stackandpost-stackproducts-an
approachconsistentwithEPE’sexperienceinthe“Basin
AnalysisImprovement”project(partofEPE'sAnnual
BusinessPlan).Therestrictiononusingnon-reprocessed
lineswasmaintained,ensuringaminimumlevelofquality
intheinterpreteddata.
2D AND 3D SEISMIC SURVEYS
FUTURE ADVANCES
In the future, the intention is to
incorporate new types of data -such
as hydrogeological information,
structural models, and regional
geophysical data -that can
complement the analyses of the well
framework and seismic data. These
inputs will help refine reservoir
boundaries and seals and identify
critical elements for the safety and
effectiveness of permanent storage.
Economic Perspective Transport Infrastructure This map indicates where there is infrastructure that can enable CO₂movement from capture points to geological storage and/or utilization sites. The focus is on modes with a track record or applicability in international projects: pipelines, port facilities, highways, and railways. Assumptions aim to reflect operational feasibility; for instance, port facilities with incompatible uses (e.g., tourism) and unpaved roads that would prevent sustainable CO₂transport by trucks were excluded. This map is key to understanding cost, scale, and connectivity of potential hubs.
16 Transport Infrastructure The concentration of infrastructure in the Center-South region and along coastal portions of the South, Southeast, and Northeast significantly increases the relevance of these areas. This concentration favors movement of CO₂in large volumes, especially by pipelines and ships. However, expansion into the interior of the country requires robust technical and economic solutions, in addition to a clear regulatory framework. European experience shows that transport and storage are often bottlenecks due to regulatory complexity, high upfront CAPEX, and lack of de-risking mechanisms(GUIDEHOUSE, 2023) 2 . PIPELINESSHIPSHIGHWAYSRAILWAYS The most globally established and efficient mode for transporting large volumes of CO₂, especially in onshore operations, offering relatively lower operating costs and economic viability over long distances. However, it requires a high initial investment. There are technical differences depending on the transport phase: gaseous in onshore pipelines and gaseous or liquid/dense in offshore pipelines (requiring higher pressures and diameters when transporting gas). Highly flexible in routes and volumes, with lower implementation costs and higher operating costs. It is still mainly used for small volumes destined for the food and beverage industries. Recent studies show that ships become more competitive than pipelines over distances greater than 300-1,000 km. Operation in the liquid phase under strict temperature and pressure control. Suitable for short distances or initial deployment phases, operating with liquid-phase CO₂ under moderate pressures. However, its costs become significant in large-scale projects, in addition to being a more polluting mode of transport and sensitive to weather and traffic conditions. Its sustainability depends on ensuring that transport emissions do not exceed captured CO₂. They can be advantageous over medium and long distances, combining energy efficiency and greater capacity than road transport. However, large-scale CO₂ systems are not yet implemented, and their adoption depends on the proximity between capture and use/storage points and available rail infrastructure. Transport occurs in the liquid phase, under relatively low pressures, but requires strong logistical coordination. Fonte: PILLER (2023) 3 The database update was essentially responsible for the changes observed between cycles. In addition to the adoption of the pipeline database used in the latest version of the National Zoning of O&G Resources (ZNMT 2023-2025) 1 , the most recent versions of the following free and federal government databases had an impact: ▪Federal Highways: DNIT ▪State Highways: INDE ▪Railways: Ministério dos Transportes ▪Port Facilities: ANTAQ In particular, the representation of platforms, which can serve as logistical support bases, helps to understand the new points added in the offshore basins. De-riskingconsistsofreallocating,sharing,orreducingrisksthatcurrentlyblockinvestmentsinlow-carbonprojectssuch asCO₂transportandstorage.Itinvolvespolicyactions(regulatoryclarity,standardizedlicensing,governanceriskmitigation) andfinancialinstruments(publicguarantees,riskcoverage,supportforgeologicalstudies).Thesereduceinvestor uncertainty,unlockupfrontCAPEX,andaccelerateessentialinfrastructureformationfordecarbonizationchains (CHOI; ZHOU; LAXTON, 2022) 4 . De-risking for CO₂ infrastructure 1 The ZNMT is a biennial study published by EPE. Its latest version was in press at the time of the release of this booklet. 2 GUIDEHOUSE. 2023. Best practices of CCUS infrastructure in Europe. Gas for Climate, setembrode 2023. 3 PILLER, S. et al; 2023. Best practices of CCUS infrastructure in Europe. Gas for Climate, setembrode 2023. DisponívelemGfC_Best-Practices-of- CCUS-Infrastructure_Whitepaper.pdf 4 CHOI, E.; ZHOU, L; LAXTON, V. 2022. How to De-risk Low-carbon Investments. Disponível em https://www.wri.org/insights/de-risking-low- carbon-investments
17 Pipelines:retrofitornewdedicatedinfrastructure? PARAMETERREUSENEW PIPELINE Initial CAPEX Lower (between 53% and 88% savings)Higher OPEX Larger (monitoring and maintenance)Lower Total Cost Potential for a reduction of approximately 25% in 20 years. Higher Flexibility Larger for pilot projects or scaling up Requires a constant volume. Easement Already existing, it reduces time and cost.Requires purchase Thechoicebetweenrepurposingexistingpipelines(retrofit)orbuildingnewdedicated infrastructureinvolvesmultipletechnical,regulatory,andeconomicfactors.Theabsenceofafully consolidatedinternationalstandardforCO₂qualityspecificationsisamaterialobstacleto interoperability,reinforcingthateachcasemustbeassessedindividually,accordingtoroute, impurities,phaseandoperatingconditions. Internationalexperiencesuggeststhatretrofitcanbeeconomicallyattractive,with53%-88% CAPEXreductionsinsomecasesandsavingsofupto~US$3million/km,especiallyinoffshore segments.However,thesegainsmaybeaccompaniedbyupto50%higherOPEX,duetothe needforintensivecorrosionmonitoringandgreatermaintenanceofagingassets. Fromatechnicalstandpoint,conversionrequiresadetailedanalysisofpressureandtemperature, especiallywhenoperatingwithsupercriticalCO₂(pressures>7.38MPaandT>31.1°C). Theserequirementscanexceedthedesignenvelopesofexistingpipelines,demanding adaptations,reinforcements,andre-evaluation-particularlyinmarineenvironments. CO₂corrosivityisoneofthemostcriticalpoints,intensifiedinthepresenceofwaterand impurities(e.g.,H₂SandSO₂).WetCO₂cancorrodecarbonsteelathighrates,making dehydrationandimpuritycontrolcentralrequirements.Inaddition,fracturepropagationinCO₂ pipelinescanbemoreseverethaninnatural-gaspipelines,requiringspecificstudies, experimentalvalidation,androbustintegritymanagement. Thedecisionmatrixshouldincludestructuralintegrityandremaininglife,fracture/leakrisk, dehydrationneeds,andtheadequacyofauxiliaryequipment(pumps,valves,sensors,and monitoringsystems).Internationalevidenceindicatesrelevantpotentialforrepurposing(often moreviableoffshorethanonshore,case-dependent),andhybridsolutions-combiningnewand repurposedpipelines,orevenparallelCO₂andH₂networks-canreducesystemcostsand acceleratedeployment. The lack of dedicated infrastructure for CO₂transportation is oneofthe main bottlenecks for the development of CCS routes in Brazil. The economic viability of the projects is directly related to the proximity between emission sources and storage sites. In this sense, European experience shows that the creation of industrial hubs with shared infrastructureis an effective strategyto reduce costs and attract investment. Hybrid solutions, combining different modes of transport, can be strategic to overcome regional bottlenecks and connect emitters to storage sites in remote areas. DecisionMatrix: Retrofitvs. New Infrastructure 1 1 Consolidated data based on Ziyang et al. (2025); Kim, Yoon e Lee (2024) and Carbon Limits e DNV (2021).
Economic Perspective BECCS -Immediate Availability of Biogenic CO₂ This map depicts available sources of biogenic CO₂ (based on actual 2024 production) that generate relatively pure and concentrated streams - particularly ethanol fermentation (from sugarcane and corn) and biomethane routes. Because capture is less complex in these cases, they tend to require smaller investments (e.g., compression, logistics, and storage). This layer serves as a short-term priority indicator for BECCS: it points to where projects can likely be enabled more quickly, thereby accelerating learning, market formation, and the potential achievement of negative emissions at scale.
19 Notes on the analysis of biogenic CO₂availability (immediate and potential) Sugarcane and corn routes were distinguished to properly reflect operational differences between the feedstocks. Each crop yields distinct production profiles over the year -and thus different operating windows for BECCS - which directly affects logistics sizing, costs, and planningfor the infrastructure required for geological storage. This distinction avoids data over-aggregation and enables more realistic estimates of available CO₂and supply stability. SUGARCANE VS. CORN For biomethane plants, only the fraction destined for the market, excludingvolumes for on-site self-consumption, was considered. Therefore, available CO₂-immediate or potential -may be underestimated, as the underlying dataset reflects lower productivities than observed in practice. Immediate availability corresponds to CO₂ generated in current biogas upgrading; potential availability includes both production expected from new plants attached to ethanol mills and the CO₂associated with vinasse and filter cake processing and with biomethane from units under construction. BIOMETHANE CO₂from fermentationand biomethane purificationis high-purity, reducing technical complexity and capture costs. By contrast, capturing CO₂from boilers (cogeneration using sugarcane bagasse or woodchips) requires operations such as solvent absorption and/or adsorption, which demand higher investment in dedicated equipment and increase operational complexity, since these units often primarily serve to supply heat to the main facilities. STREAM PURITY
20 BECCS (Immediate Availability) 37% 18% 15% 11% 9% 3% SP MT GO MS MG PR
93% of estimated emissions 27 Mt CO 2 Ranking of Brazilian states in relation to estimated emissions The ability to fit into multiple business models makes Brazil’s bioenergy sector strategic for developing low-carbon routes. The abundance of sustainable biomass (notably the sugar-energy sector), its established role in the national energy matrix, the sector’s technological maturity, and its historic integration with climate policies -especially carbon pricing -position it as a cornerstone of the global energy transition, with strong potential to lead BECCS scale-up. Alcoholic fermentation at sugarcane and corn mills is the main source of biogenic CO₂already available for direct capture in Brazil. As a high-purity gas (>95% vol/vol), these streams are an immediately exploitable opportunity, requiring minimal investment in compression and transport, without complex separation processes. 2° world's largest ethanol producer (OECD/FAO,
Brasil is Corn ethanol mills, concentrated in Mato Grosso, Goiás, and Mato Grosso do Sul, operate year-round, ensuring stable CO₂ supply and favoring standalone capture projects. Sugarcane mills, concentrated in São Paulo, Goiás, Minas Gerais, Mato Grosso do Sul, Paraná, and Mato Grosso, provide strong potential for regional hubs, though harvest seasonality challenges CO₂ availability (EPE, 2025). Biomethane is becoming more relevant as a renewable fuel in Brazil’s transition, being interchangeable with natural gas. During its production, biogas is upgraded to concentrate methane, and the separated CO₂emerges as a high-purity stream, ready for capture(EPE, 2025). In this cycle, the three states with the largest installed capacities stand out; landfill emissions in Rio de Janeiro were the largest estimated (52%), followed by Ceará(30%) and sugar-energy sector emissions in São Paulo(18%). This concentration indicates strategic opportunities for BECCS projects and for utilizing residual CO₂.
Economic Perspective BECCS -Potential Availability of Biogenic CO₂ This map widens the scope to less immediate opportunities, linked to future expansion (new sugarcane or corn ethanol plants, increased biomethane output) and to sources that require additional capture infrastructure (e.g., cogeneration flue gases or processes with more diluted CO₂, such as pulp and paper). It therefore guides medium-term planning, indicating where BECCS can grow with more robust investments and industrial integration, helping anticipate needs for infrastructure (transport/storage) and policies to unlock scale.
22 BECCS (Potential Availability) 212 Mt CO 2 Ranking of Brazilian states in relation to estimated emissions 43% 10% 9% 9% 7% 6% SP MS GO MG MT PR
84% of estimated emissions TheSoutheastandCenter-Westregionsaccountforover77%ofemissionsfromalcoholicfermentationand85%from cogeneration(sugarcaneandcornbiomass)thatcouldbecapturedinBECCSprojects.Althoughcogenerationrepresentsthe largestshareofbiogenicCO₂potential,itslowconcentration(<15%)implieshighercapturecostsandcomplexity.By contrast,alcoholicfermentation,withonly8%ofthetotalestimatedpotential,offers>95%purityCO₂,makingitastrategic opportunityforinitialBECCSprojects. By 2035, expanding sugarcane and corn ethanol supply, together with progress in second-generation ethanol and SAF production, significantly increases the volume of available biogenic CO₂. This growth creates favorable conditions for BECCS development, enabling direct coupling between fermentation processes and capture/storage routes, with potential to produce fuels with a negative carbon footprint. E1G E1G 2025 2035 Ethanol supply (EPE, 2025) Billions of liters 27.3 10.0 Billions of liters 32.8 16.3 The National Energy Plan 2055 (PNE 2055), released for public consultation by EPE in 2026, reinforces the strategic potential of BECCS by indicating that its application in liquid biofuel production can enable removals of more than 100 MtCO₂eq, while its adoption in biomethane production can reach up to 43 MtCO₂eq.
23 BECCS (Potential Availability) Potential availability associated with sugarcane and corn cogeneration is heavily concentrated in the Southeast (~59% of the total), with SP and MG standing out. Next comes the Center-West (~26%, with GO slightly ahead of MS and MT). The Northeast (~8%, strongest in AL) and South (~6%, led by PR) show intermediate participation, while the North remains residual (~1%, spread among TO, PA, and AM). These patterns reflect the geography of ethanol and biomass production and installed cogeneration capacity. COGENERATION Potential CO₂from biomethane is led by the Southeast (~57%), followed by the Center-West (~27%), Northeast (~8%), South (~7%), and North (~1%). Most potential emissions come from the sugar-energy sector (cane ethanol), with SP and MG leading in the Southeast and PE in the Northeast. Corn-based biomethane is more relevant in the Center-West, especially GO and MT. According to Abiogás, daily biomethane production capacity is expected to increase from 1.77 million m³/day in 2025 to about 8 million m³/day in 2032, significantly expanding the future CO₂potential for BECCS (ABIOGAS, 2025). BIOMETHANE This industry is another important source of biogenic CO₂ in Brazil, with emissions concentrated in a few states. São Paulo, Mato Grosso do Sul, and Bahia account for more than half of the total; Paraná, Rio Grande do Sul, and Maranhão complete the group representing ~87% of estimated sector emissions. This geographic concentration creates ideal conditions for regional BECCS hubs, leveraging continuous, large-scale flows with significant decarbonization potential and the generation of negative credits (i.e., removals).. PULP AND PAPER 23% 22% 15% 11% 9% 8% SP MS BA PR RS MA Ranking of Brazilian states in relation to estimated emissions Ranking of Brazilian states in relation to estimated emissions 36% 13% 10% 8% 7% 7% SP RS PE MG MS PR 49% 11% 10% 8% 7% 6% SP GO MG MS MT PR Ranking of Brazilian states in relation to estimated emissions
Economic Perspective Potential (hard to abate) industries interested in CCS/CCUS This map identifies industrial units with greater decarbonization challenges, and hence a higher likelihood of considering CCS/CCUS as a mitigation route. The analysis highlights the spatial distribution of major emitting sources, allowing the identification of industrial clusters with potential to enable hubs, share infrastructure, and reduce system costs -and also indicating where demand for carbon credits may be stronger. Seven sectors were considered: steel, cement, oil & gas production, refining, chemicals, mining, and fossil-fuel thermal power plants (TPPs). For steel, cement, chemicals, and mining, emissions estimated for 2024 were used; for O&G production and refining, 2023 data was used. For fossil-fuel TPPs, only units operational between 2021 and 2025 were included, using the average for the period to reduce the effect of hydrological variability on thermal dispatch. This approach provides a more representative spatial picture of existing emitters and aligns with the polluter-pays principle.
25 Potential(hardtoabate)industriesinterestedinCCS/CCUS Emissionsfromhard-to-abatesectorsamounttosignificantvolumes,ledbysteel(42.5MtCO₂),cement (38.2MtCO₂),andthermalpowerplants(25.5MtCO₂),followedbyoilandgasfields(19.2MtCO₂), refining(16.4MtCO₂),thechemicalindustry(6.0MtCO₂),andmining(1.4MtCO₂).Geographically,these emissionsareheavilyconcentratedintheSoutheastregion,whichaccountsfor62%ofthetotal,whilethe Northeast(16%)andSouth(14%)appearassecondaryhubs,andtheCenter-WestandNorthcontribute only4%each.Thisregionalconcentrationreinforcesthefeasibilityofestablishingcapturehubsclosetothe mainindustrialclusters. 149 Mt CO 2 Ranking of Brazilian states in relation to estimated emissions 29% 22% 10% 6% 5% 5% RJ MG SP CE RS PR
76% of estimated emissions By2035,industrialenergydemandinBrazilisexpectedtogrow,whileexportcompetitivenessbecomesstrongly influencedbyinternationalcarbon-pricingpolicies,suchastheEU’sCBAM,whichmayimpactbillionsofdollarsin Brazilianexports,especiallyaluminum,iron/steel,andcement(EPE, 2025; MDIC; GPI, 2024; TOSCAN, 2024). Inthis context,lower-carbonindustrieswilllikelyexpandaccesstoglobalmarkets.ThehighrenewabilityofBrazil’s energyandpowermatricesisakeycomparativeadvantage,butturningitfullyintocompetitivenessrequires technologicaloptionsforfurtheremissionsreduction-amongwhichCCUSstandsoutasastrategictoolfor hard-to-abatesectors.
26 Results from key sectors potentially interested in CCS/CCUS The Southeast region concentrates 87% of the estimated emissions for the period, far ahead of the Northeast (12%). This concentration stems from the density of the industrial baseand the major load centers in the Southeast, where the country’s main steelmaking and industrial transformation hubs are located (CSN/Volta Redonda-RJ; Ternium/Rio de Janeiro-RJ; Usiminas/Ipatinga-MG; Gerdau Açominas/Ouro Branco-MG). In addition to production scale, the predominant technological profile plays a significant role-integrated coke/ blast-furnace (BF-BOF) plants with high carbon intensity-as well as the presence of energy and logistics infrastructurethat supports largecontinuous volumes of production. From a macroeconomic perspective, the Southeast accounts for more than half of Brazil’s industrial GDP (IBGE), which reinforces the concentration of energy-intensive activities and, consequently, of emissions. STEEL The Southeast region accounts for nearly half of the cement sector’s emissions, but the largest individual source is located in Rio Branco do Sul (Paraná), responsible for 8% of the total for the cycle. Although the South region hosts this standout facility, its regional total represents only 16% of national emissions -slightly less than the Northeast (18%), with the Center-West and Northcontributing the remaining 14%and 3%, respectively. The Southeast contains 40 units, and the municipal breakdown reinforces the significance of the calculated volumes: three cities in Minas Gerais -Barroso, Itaú de Minas, and Carandaí-rank among the five largest emitters, together accounting for 13% of total sector emissions. Thus, even without hosting the country’s highest-emitting plant, the Southeast remains at the top because it combines production scale, the predominant technology (rotary kilns with high clinker content), and high industrial density -factors that sustain elevated CO₂ levels and highlight major opportunities for applying CCS/CCUS in this regional cluster. The strong presence of the cement industry in the Northeast(with 34 units) and the South(12 units considered) results from recent investments in units in these regions, aimed at improving logistical competitiveness and meeting local demand. CEMENT There is a concentration in the state of Rio de Janeiro, which accounts for 22% of the sector’s emissionsand includes 13 units considered in the analysis, followed by Santa Catarina (15%) and Rio Grande do Sul (14%). Maranhão and Amazonaseach account for 11%, highlighting the importance of thermal power plants in the electricity mix of the North and Northeast. These regional differences reflect the composition of the thermal generation fleets -mostly powered by natural gas and fuel oil-and their proximity to major load centers. The unit with the highest average emissions is located in the city of São João da Barra, in the state of Rio de Janeiro (Porto do Açu), followed closely by those in Candiota(Rio Grande do Sul), Capivaride Baixo (Santa Catarina), Duque de Caxias (also in Rio de Janeiro), and Manaus (Amazonas). In the states of Ceará and Maranhão, the plants in São Gonçalo do Amarante and Santo Antônio dos Lopes, respectively, stand out. The concentration of large- scale units reinforces the importance of targeted strategies for carbon capture and storage (CCS) projects in these locations. The concentration of emissions in the Southeast reflects the productive dominance of the Campos and Santos basins, which in 2023 accounted for nearly 94% of national output. Although this region concentrates the highest absolute emissions, its carbon intensity is below the national average, due to the high production levels of pre-salt fields, which rely on modern technologies capable of ensuring greater energy efficiency in extracting the large volumes produced. Emissions in the North and Northeast regions represented around 3% of the total. It is worth noting that in these regions, natural gas production from onshore units stands out, particularly in the Espírito Santo–Mucuri, Solimões, Recôncavo, and Parnaíba basins, which lie across the states of Espírito Santo, Amazonas, Bahia, and Maranhão. It is especially in the mature assets of these basins that the highest carbon intensities recorded in the sector nationwide occur. The continuous effort to reduce both carbon intensity and absolute emissions in the E&P sector is recognized as a driving force behind investment in CCUS routes. Already successfully applied in the Santos Basin -demonstrating the feasibility of permanent storage in pre-salt sedimentary basins - this approach is expected to expand over the next decade, with higher volumes of CO₂captured and broader application of the technology in other basins, particularly in declining fields. O&G FIELDS (E&P) FOSSIL-FUEL TPPS
27 Results from key sectors potentially interested in CCS/CCUS With six refining units equipped with Hydrogen Generation Units (HGUs), the Southeast region accounted for 59% of the sector’s emissionsin 2023. This result reflects not only the larger number of refineries with HGUs, but above all the region’s historical centrality in Brazil’s refining network, where large-scale and higher-complexity refineries are located -facilities designed to process substantial volumes of both domestic and imported crude oil. The presence of major consumer centers, proximity to maritime terminals, and integrated logistics infrastructurealso contribute to the higher operating intensity of the region’s refineries. The South region, despite having only two units equipped with HGUs, accounted for 22% of the estimated emissions- a larger share than the Northeast, which, even with three plants, represented 19% of the total. This difference stems from variations in processing profiles, installed capacity, crude slate, and refining configuration, all of which directly influence CO₂emissions at each facility. It is important to note that GHG emissions profiles can vary significantly among refineries, mainly due to the type of crude processed, the facility’s level of complexity, the degree of conversion, and hydrogen consumption. For this reason, the emissions estimated in this exercise should be interpreted as approximate values, which do not necessarily reflect the operational reality of each individual refinery. REFINING The South region concentrates 42% of the estimated emissions from the petrochemical segment, followed by the Northeast (38%) and the Southeast (20%). The industrial hubs of Triunfo (Rio Grande do Sul) and Camaçari (Bahia) stand out, each accounting for more than 30% of the total.In the Southeast, the Duque de Caxias hub (Rio de Janeiro) accounts for 16% of emissions estimated for 2024. This geographical distribution reflects the fact that Triunfo and Camaçariare large-scale, integrated petrochemical complexes -with multiple ethylene/olefin, aromatics, and polymer plants - operated by groups such as Braskem and partners, and marked by successive investments in capacity expansion and energy efficiency. Examples include the decarbonization projects in Triunfo (a Braskem-Veolia partnership, with a potential reduction of 500 thousand tCO₂e/year)(BRASKEN, 2024) and the expansion projects at the Camaçaricomplex (BRASKEM, 2025). In the Southeast, Duque de Caxias (RJ) has consolidated itself as a relevant hub due to its proximity to Reducand to the natural gas sector, in addition to the R$ 33-billion investment package announced to integrate refining, gas processing, and petrochemicals—further strengthening the cluster’s activity (COELHO, 2025). In the basic chemicals segment (chlor-alkali), the Northeast leads with 57% of estimated emissions, while the Southeastaccounts for 43%. In the Northeast, Alagoas represents 38% and Bahia 19%, reflecting the historical presence of chlor-alkali plants integrated with PVC production (in Maceió/Marechal Deodoro and Camaçari) -even though Alagoas is undergoing a transition following the definitive shutdown of rock salt mining and the later resumption with imported salt in 2021, followed by the announced plan to close chlor-alkali operations in 2026 (BERNARDINO, 2025; BRASKEM, 2021). In the Southeast, São Paulo dominates the chlor-alkali segment (40%), housing large-scale plants undergoing continuous technological modernization-such as the Cubatãoand Santo André units, which have been adopting membrane-electrolysis technologies, achieving substantial energy-efficiency gains, as well as specific measures to reduce scope 1 and 2 emissions (UNIPAR, 2024). Espírito Santo and Rio de Janeiro jointly account for 3% of emissions, reflecting the more limited presence of chlor-alkali plants in the region. CHEMICAL INDUSTRY In the period analyzed, only the Northeast and Southeast regions had units considered (restricted to pelletizing). The Southeast accounted for 90%of estimated emissions -47%in Espírito Santo and 43%in Minas Gerais -while Maranhão, in the Northeast, accounted for the remaining 10%, concentrated in the São Luís facility. In Espírito Santo, the TubarãoComplex hosts one of the most traditional pelletizing clusters in the country, composed of plants and joint ventures associated with Vale (such as Nibrasco, Itabrasco, Kobrasco, and Hispanobras), which operate (or have operated) multiple production lines, in addition to recent initiatives related to iron-ore briquettes (VALEa). The combination of a dedicated port, integrated logistics, and industrial scale helps explain the state’s high production volume and, consequently, its total emissions. In Minas Gerais, the strong mineral base and the integrated operations of companies such as Samarco sustain significant production volumes. The reactivation of units, with capacity expected to grow through 2028, further reinforces the importance of the MG-ES axis in the sector’s aggregate emissions (SAMARCO, 2024). In Maranhão, the São Luís facility plays a strategic role in Vale’s portfolio. For this reason, initiatives aimed at innovation and lower-carbon mining are part of the company’s agenda. Since 2022, Vale has had an agreement with Enevato convert the plant from fuel oil to natural gas—a transition that, once fully implemented, could reduce the facility’s GHG emissions by up to 28% (VALEb; VALEc). MINING
Synthesis Map of Area Relevance
29 AreaRelevanceforCarbonCaptureandStorageProjects Thesynthesismapwasdesignedasadecision-supporttool,seekingtobalancethetwo structuringperspectivesofthisstudy:(i)thetechnical–geologicalcharacterizationofpotential storagesites,and(ii)theeconomicconstraintsassociatedwiththeviabilityofCCSroutesin Brazil.Althoughtherepresentationofreservoirshaspredominantweightinthespatialanalysis, itisrecognizedthat,inthecurrentcontext,economicfactorstendtoexertslightlygreater influenceonthedefinitionofinvestmentpriorities. Integratingthesixinformationlayersallowstheidentificationofareasacrossthenational territorywherepresumedfavorabletechnicalconditions-basedoncurrentgeologicalknowledge -convergewithrelativelymorematureeconomicenvironmentsfortheimplementationofcarbon captureandgeologicalstorageprojects.Theseareasthereforerepresentzoneswithhigher potentialfortheformationofCCShubs. Itshouldbeemphasizedthatthesynthesismapdoesnotincorporatesocio-environmental constraints,suchasconservationunits,Indigenouslands,andotherlegallyprotectedareas.This omissionreflectstheexploratoryandqualitativenatureoftheproduct,designedtoidentify territorialtrendsbasedonthetechnical-economicconvergenceofthesixlayers.Thespatial potentialindicatedhereshouldnotbeinterpretedasadirectestimateofareaseffectively available;specificprojectdesign-publicorprivate-mustassesscompatibilitywithenvironmental andterritorialconstraints. Becausethesynthesisweighssixlayers,variationsintheassignedweights—dependingon businessmodel,investorprofile,orpublicpolicy—maymateriallychangethefinalmap,elevating someareasandloweringothers.Forthisreason,theproductshouldbeviewedasa scenario-buildingtool,notasasinglefixedranking. Itisalsoworthnotingthat,althoughtheuseofcapturedCO₂isnotexplicitlyrepresentedinthe spatialmodel,ittendstocorrelatewithmajoremittingclustersandwithvaluechainscapableof absorbingthisinput.Nevertheless,CO₂utilizationisnotexpectedtoconstitutethecentralaxisof initialinvestmentsinCCSroutesinBrazil;rather,itwillfunctionasanadditionalbenefitwithinhub configurationsthatbringtogethermultipleindustrialsegments.
30 Southeast Region TheSoutheastregionremainstheportionofthenationalterritorywiththehighest relevanceforthedevelopmentofcarboncaptureandgeologicalstorageprojects. Thisisdrivenbytheconcentrationofpotentialstoragesitesofpresumablyhigh quality,bythebroaderavailabilityofgeologicalandgeophysicaldata(derivedfrom theoilandgassector),bythepresenceofthedensesttransport-infrastructure network(pipelines,highways,railways,andportterminals),andbythediversityof productivesectorswithpotentialdemandforCCSsolutions-withparticular emphasisonthesugar-energyindustry.Inthiscontext,thestateofSãoPaulo showsthehighestassessedrelevance,especiallyinitscentral-easternportion. Inoffshoreareas,althoughthedistancefromshoreandultra-deepwaterconditions imposelogisticalandcostchallenges,scalingupprojectsthatbringtogether differentpartnersandindustrialsegmentscanhelpovercomethesebarriers.The regionhostsprovenhigh-qualityreservoirs,andinjectionandstorageactivities associatedwithenhancedoilrecovery(EOR)havebeenconductedcontinuallyfor morethanadecade. Sincethepublicationofthefirstversionofthisstudy,newprojects, announcements,andmemorandumofunderstandinghavereinforcedthegrowing interestofmajorBrazilianindustrialplayersinvariouscarbon-captureandstorage routesacrossallSoutheaststates-initiallyonshore,butwithexpectationsof expansionoffshore (AGÊNCIA PETROBRAS, 2024; 2025b; CHIAPPINI, 2025; MANACÁ CCS, 2024). Theseinitiativesincludebothdeepgeologicalstorage(in salinereservoirs,basalts,andothersitetypes)andCO₂utilizationasanindustrial input,notablyinsyntheticfuelsandlow-carbonconstructionmaterials (CNI, 2024; EQUINOR, 2025; PETROBRAS,2025; REPSOL SINOPEC BRASIL, 2025). This movementindicatesanincreasinglyfavorableeconomicandinstitutional environmentforCCSinitiativesintheSoutheast.
31 Northeast Region IntheNortheastregion,thehighest-relevanceareasconcentratealongthecoastal belt,particularlyinBahia,Sergipe,andRioGrandedoNorte,where hydrocarbon-productionactivityhascontributedtoregionaldevelopmentfor decades.Theseareascombineknown,good-qualityreservoirs,infrastructure associatedwithoilandgas,andaninstitutionalenvironmentcapableofsupporting carboncaptureandgeologicalstorageinitiatives. Thecentral-northernportionoftheParnaíbaBasinalsoshowsintermediate relevance.Inthisregion,reservoirsarewellcharacterizedduetonatural-gas explorationandproductionandarelocatednearexistingorplannedinfrastructure thatmayservepotentialcement,chemical,refining,andthermal-powersegments. AlthoughcurrentrelevancelevelsarelowerthanthoseoftheSoutheast- consistentwithmethodologicalassumptionsandavailabledata-theregionhas increasinglystoodoutduetoresearchinitiatives,cooperationagreements,and exploratorystudiesfocusedonassessingitsstoragepotential (AGÊNCIA PETROBRAS, 2025b;CHIAPPINI, 2025). Itisthereforeessentialthatnewinvestmentsbegraduallydirectedtothe Northeast,expandingtheknowledgebase,reducinglong-standingasymmetriesin geological-assessmentcapacity,andcreatingmorebalancedconditionsforthe nationaldevelopmentofCCSroutes.Theexpansionofsuchinvestmentsalso representsastrategicopportunityfortheregion,generatingqualifiedjobsandlocal incomeandfosteringnewtechnicalcapabilities.Strengtheningprofessional competenciesrelatedtothecarboncapture,transport,andstoragechainmay positiontheNortheastasanemerginghubforthisagenda,contributingtoregional economicdevelopmentandamoreinclusiveenergytransition.
32 South Region IntheSouthregion,therelevanceofareasfortheimplementationofcarboncaptureand storageroutesrangesfromlowtointermediate,withaprogressiveincreasetowardthe north,neartheborderwithSãoPaulo.Thistrendreflectsthepresenceofsitesassociated withtheParanáBasin,particularlybasaltswithmineralizationpotential,combinedwith goodcoverageofgeologicalandgeophysicalsurveys.Theregionalsobenefitsfrom robustinfrastructure-highwaysandpipelines-locatednearimportantemitterssuchas power-generationunitsandpulp-and-paperplants. Inthissamenorthernportion,thereisalsostrongpotentialforleveragingbiogenicCO₂ fromsugarcanefermentationand,toalesserextent,fromcorn,inadditiontoCO₂ associatedwithbiomethane.Theconvergenceofabundantbiomass,establishedlogistics, andaccesstopotentialreservoirscreatesopportunitiesforBECCS. Intheremainderoftheregion,althoughrelevancelevelsarelowerduetothereduced expectedqualityofpotentialstoragesites—largelybecauseoflimitedgeologicaland geophysicaldata-thereisstillroomforthedevelopmentofCCS/CCUSsolutions supportedbytheextensivetransportnetwork.Sectorswithpotentialdemandinclude steelandchemicalsinRioGrandedoSul;cementinParaná;refiningandpower generationinbothRioGrandedoSulandSantaCatarina;andthepulp-and-papersector acrossallthreestates.ItisalsoworthnotingthattheSouthregionconcentratesa significantshareofBrazilianagribusiness,beingthenationalleaderinporkproductionand exports,andhostingmajorhubsthatconvertgrainsintoanimalprotein-valuechainsthat maybenefitfromCCSroutestoenhancecompetitivenessandreducethecarbonintensity ofexportedproducts (IBGE, 2025). Additionally,theSouthhasmaintained,fordecades,asolidresearchenvironmentfocused ongeologicalstorageandcarbon-capturetechnologies,supportedbythecommitmentof itsacademicinstitutions.ThisecosystemisexemplifiedbytheDAC.SIProject,carriedout byPUCRSinpartnershipwithRepsolSinopecBrasil,responsibleforinstallingthefirst directaircapture(DAC)systeminLatinAmerica(PUCRS, 2024). Complementarily,the region’sparticipationinthedevelopmentoftheCCUSBrazilGISPlatform(apartnership betweenPetrobrasandPUCRS)contributestostrengtheningthenationaltechnical foundationforfutureCCShubs (PUCRS, 2025).
33 Central-West Region IntheCentral-Westregion,althoughlowrelevancepredominates-areflectionofthemorelimited setofgeologicalandgeophysicaldataconsideredrelevantforthepresentassessmentandthe restrictedvarietyoftransportinfrastructure-therearezonesofmediumrelevancenear corn-producingareas(especiallyinthenorthernportion,butpresentacrossallthreestates)and sugarcane-producingareas(particularlyinthesouthandeast).Intheseareas,ethanolderived fromthesefeedstocksenablesBECCSsolutions.Itshouldbenoted,however,thattheresults presentedherereflectahistoricallimitationinsubsurfaceknowledgeoflocalreservoirs,asthe region’ssedimentarybasinswere,formanyyears,notasignificantfocusofthehydrocarbons industry-themaindriverofsubsurfaceresearchinthecountry.Withexpandedtargetedsurveys, itislikelythattherelevanceofthesebasinsmaybereclassifiedtohigherlevels. Thiscontexthasgainedstrengthwithrecentregulatoryadvances.InAugust2025,ANP authorizedFS-Brazil’slargestcorn-ethanolproducer-todrillinLucasdoRioVerde(MT)to assessthefeasibilityofgeologicalCO₂storage,adecisivesteptowardtheimplementationofthe country’sfirstfullBECCSproject.In parallel, the Brazilian Development Bank (Banco Nacional de Desenvolvimento Econômico e Social - BNDES) approvedBRL384.3milliontobuildFS’sCO₂ capture,compression,andinjectionunit,capableofremovingandstoring423thousand tCO₂/year,placingtheCentral-Westatthetechnologicalfrontierofnegativeemissionswithinthe biofuelssector (MARCELINO, 2025a; 2025b). Thestrategicimportanceoftheregionisreinforcedbytheweightofitsagribusinesssectorin Brazilandglobally,asitleadsnationalproductionofgrains,animalprotein,andagro-industrial inputs,inadditiontoitscrucialroleintheglobalcorn-ethanolmarket (IBGE). CCSroutescan enhancethecompetitivenessofBrazilianexportsbyallowingbiofuelsandagriculturalproductsto complywithincreasinglystrictcarbonrequirementsininternationalmarkets. Thesetechnologiesalsoalignwithemergingregionalopportunities,suchaslow-carbonhydrogen productionandthedevelopmentofnitrogen-fertilizerplants,whichcanbenefitfromstable streamsofpureCO₂andsharedcaptureandtransportinfrastructure,strengtheningregional industrialintegration(EPE, 2025). Toconsolidatethispotential,itwillbeessentialtoexpandthetransportnetwork,deepenthe geologicalknowledgeframeworkoftheregion’sbasins,andstrengthenlocalresearchcenters capableofconductingexploratoryandmonitoringactivities.Buildinglocaltechnicalcapabilitiesis crucialtosustainingthenewnegative-emissionsindustrythatmaytakeshapeinthecountry.
34 North Region IntheNorthregion,areasclassifiedashavinglowrelevancepredominate.Thisoutcome islinkedtothepresenceofauniqueforestcover,whichhashistoricallyimposed challengesforthedevelopmentoftransportinfrastructureandlimitationsinacquiring informationondeepreservoirlayers.Inthiscontext,nature-basedcarboncapture solutions(NbCS)areexpectedtoremaintheprimaryaxisofclimateactionintheregion. However,fromatechnologicalstandpoint,particularlyinthecontextofCCUS,arelevant complementarypathwayemerges.Forhard-to-abatesectorsthatrequirestorage alternativesthatarerapidtodeploy,long-lasting,andlessvulnerabletoclimateextremes, orforindustriesinterestedinusingcapturedCO₂asaninputfornewproducts,CCUScan playastrategicrole.Thus,althoughlimitedinnumber,medium-relevanceareasappear nearestablishedindustrialandenergyinfrastructures-suchasnatural-gasfields,thermal powerplants,cementplants,andpelletizingunits-acrossthestatesofAmazonas,Pará, andMaranhão. Additionally,theregionpresentsthepossibilityofforming“isolatedhubs”forcarbon captureandstorage,particularlyinthestateofAmazonas,wherethespatial configurationofproductiveactivities-concentratedinclustersdisconnectedfrommajor nationallogisticsnetworks-favorsautonomousarrangementsforcarboncapture, utilization,andstorage.Thesehubscanintegratespecificindustrialemissionswithnearby storagesolutionsorCO₂utilizationroutes,fosteringlocalinnovationandreducing logisticaldependencies. Theregionisalsobeginningtoattractinvestmentsfrommajorindustrialplayersfocused ontheuseofcapturedCO₂.OneexampleisVale,whichinvestedinCirclua,acompany dedicatedtodevelopinglow-emissioncementfromminingwaste.Aprojectiscurrently underwaytoinstallaCircluafacilityinsoutheasternPará,whichwillusetailingsfromthe CarajásComplexasfeedstock,enablingtheproductionoflow-carboncementitious materialsandsignificantlyreducingclinkeruse-themainsourceofCO₂incement manufacturing (BRASIL MINERAL, 2025). Thisstrategyreinforcesthepotentialofthe Northregiontointegratecircular-economypracticesandindustrialinnovation,broadening therangeofopportunitiesassociatedwiththecarboncaptureandstoragevaluechain.
Key Conclusions Therehasbeenanotableincreaseininterestacrossthedifferentroutesforcarboncapture,transport,utilization,andgeologicalstorage, particularlyregardingtheirapplicabilityacrossmultipleindustrialsectorsandtheopportunitytoemployavarietyofstoragesites throughoutthecountry. Theintegrationofselectedinformationmadeitpossibletoidentifyareaswithinthenationalterritorywherefavorablegeology(basedon thecurrentstateofknowledge)andeconomic/logisticalconditionsalign-thatis,whereprojects,especiallyhubsforcarboncapture, transport,utilization,andgeologicalstorage,aremorelikelytobeviable.Themethodologicalenhancementsadoptedincreasedthe discriminatorypowerofthemap,reinforcingitsusefulnessinguidingdecision-making. Brazil’slogisticsnetwork,concentratedalongtheSoutheast–Northeastcoastalbelt,favorsthelarge-scaletransportofCO₂(particularly viapipelinesandports).However,extendinginfrastructureintotheinteriorrequiresrobusttechnicalandeconomicsolutions,aswellasa clearregulatoryframeworkandrisk-reductionmechanisms-aninsightconsistentwithinternationalexperience,wheretransportand storagefrequentlyconstitutebottlenecksduetohighCAPEXandregulatorycomplexity. Thebioenergysectorstandsoutforfittingintomultiplebusinessmodelsandforcombiningsustainablebiomassavailability,technological maturity,andlong-standingintegrationwithclimate-policyinstruments.ThesecharacteristicsplaceBrazilinaprivilegedpositiontoscale BECCSasanegative-emissionssolution.
Key Conclusions Emissionsfromhard-to-abatesectorsarelargeandhighlyconcentrated,especiallyintheSoutheast,withtheNortheastandSouth appearingassecondarypoles-anemissionsgeographythatreinforcesthefeasibilityofestablishingcapturehubsclosetomajor industrialclusters. AlthoughtheutilizationofCO₂isnotexplicitlymodeledinthespatialanalysis,ittendstofollowemittingclustersandvaluechains capableofabsorbingthisinput.Nevertheless,CO₂useshouldfunctionmainlyasanadditionalbenefitwithinhubconfigurations,rather thanastheprimarydriverofearlyinvestment. Byintegratingmultiplelinesofevidence,thestudyreaffirmsBrazil’spotentialtocapture,transport,andstoreCO₂andsetsthegoalof progressingtowardquantitativeassessments,evenamidcurrentlimitationsinspecificdata.Strengtheningcollaborationwiththe communityengagedinthesealternativesisessential-andanirreversiblestep-forBraziltoincreasinglyunderstandandprojectitsrole intheglobalCCSlandscape. BrazilpresentsfavorableconditionsfortheadvancementofCCSpathways,withpotentialapplicationsacrosstheenergyandindustrialsectors,as wellassynergieswithotherdecarbonizationstrategies.Althoughchallengespersist-andarenotuniquetothenationalcontext-thecountryhas madeprogressinstructuringpublicpolicies,manyofwhichremainintheimplementationphase.Therealizationofthispotential,however,will dependonthecoordinatedaccelerationoftheseactions,throughtheadoptionofinstrumentscapableofreducingrisks,supportingfirst-of-a-kind projects,andfosteringmarketformation,inordertoenableprojectsatscaleandallowtherelevantsectorstoeffectivelycontributetoCO₂emissions reductionsandremovalsconsistentwiththecountry’sclimatecommitments.
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