Rio de Janeiro – The Business Plan of the Brazilian state-owned oil company for the 2009-2013 period earmarks initial investment of 70 billion reals (US$ 31.3 billion) for developing blocs in its concession in the pre-salt layer.
The investment, according to the company, is going to result in “unparalleled development of the heavy industry and expansion of companies in the fields of engineering, naval industry and the likes, as well as large equipment manufacturers and services suppliers in Brazil.”
In addition to significantly increase the Brazilian oil output and making the country a large exporter, the development of reserves discovered in the pre-salt layer is going to create job opportunities, with formation of specialized labour force.
Information supplied by the state-owned company indicates that the pre-salt layer of the Southeast and South basins, which has already been mapped out, extends from the coast of the state of Santa Catarina to that of Espírito Santo, in an area that is 800 kilometres long and 200 kilometres wide, in deep and ultra-deep waters.
According to the company, the challenges of developing production in the pre-salt layer are going to provide “exceptional opportunities for implementing technological programs and partnerships with universities and research institutes, thus furthering our integration with the Brazilian and international technological community.”
*Translated by Gabriel Pomerancblum
