Petrobras foresees investment of over R$150 million in Pre-Salt geological characterization with Libra Rocks Project

Petrobras and the partners of the Libra Consortium will invest approximately R$151 million in the Libra Rocks project for the development of innovative technologies and the creation of conceptual geological models to be applied in Mero, Petrobras' third-largest field, located in the pre-salt of the Santos Basin. Libra Rocks establishes a strategic partnership between the Consortium and the University of Brasília (UnB), the Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), and the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUC-RS).
 
"Libra Rocks has the potential to reduce uncertainties in the production curve, increase efficiency in reservoir management, optimize the placement of new wells, and enhance knowledge about the timing of CO₂ breakthrough and oil charge in the reservoir," evaluates the Executive Manager of Libra, Bruno Moczydlower.
 
According to Bruno, the project, with a duration of four years, promises to transform the scientific and technological approach in the field of oil exploration and production.
 
The knowledge acquired may be directly applied to business operations, with the potential to increase the recovery factor and improve efficiency in reservoir management.
 
Among the main innovations, the use of artificial intelligence stands out for the development of algorithms capable of automating the processing of geological data. The technology will enable the construction of detailed conceptual models of the carbonate rocks in the Libra area, as well as new ways to analyze rocks using methods different from those currently employed.
 
The initiative aims to study the origin, composition, structure, and transformation of rocks in order to understand characteristics such as pore distribution (void spaces) and permeability (the ability to allow the flow of fluids). In addition, it seeks to expand knowledge about the geological evolution related to the opening of the South Atlantic, resulting from the separation between Brazil and Africa. The use of high-precision equipment and modern methods will allow for detailed analyses and more reliable results, consolidating the Mero field as a benchmark in innovation and technology in the oil and gas sector.
 
Another highlight is "Digital Rock," which consists of using ultra-high-resolution images to create 3D replicas of rock samples, enhancing the capacity to characterize petroleum reservoir rocks.
 
The field's reservoir is among the most studied in Brazil due to its production potential and technological challenges. Located at depths ranging from 5,000 to 6,000 meters below sea level, and in water depths of 1,800 to 2,000 meters, it stands out for its unique conditions, such as high salinity and elevated CO₂ content. Its formation consists mainly of carbonate rocks formed approximately between 125 and 113 million years ago. These rocks exhibit high porosity and good permeability, characteristics that favor the storage and flow of oil. These particularities reinforce the importance of deepening studies on the region's rock characteristics in order to optimize production and overcome industry challenges. In addition, the results may generate geological knowledge with potential application in other fields within the pre-salt section of the Santos and Campos basins.
 
Libra Rocks, with investments arising from the ANP's R&D clause, will involve the acquisition of state-of-the-art equipment and the participation of more than 150 people from the aforementioned universities, including the granting of more than 90 scholarships for undergraduate research, master's, doctoral, and postdoctoral studies. This represents an important contribution to the development and retention of highly specialized human resources in Brazil, the enhancement of the national technological infrastructure, and the promotion of interdisciplinary interaction between geosciences and AI fields, reaffirming Petrobras' ongoing commitment to fostering Research, Development, and Innovation in the country.
 
Operations at the unitized Mero field are conducted by the consortium operated by Petrobras in partnership with Shell Brasil, TotalEnergies, CNPC, CNOOC, and Pré-Sal Petróleo S.A. (PPSA), as contract manager and representative of the Federal Government in the uncontracted area.