Introduction
The board of the National Petroleum, Gas and Biofuels Agency (ANP) recently approved the indication of 86 blocks of fossil fuel exploration for possible inclusion in the Permanent Offer of Concession (OPC) auctions. This decision includes areas in the Amazon River Mouth, confirming the intention to expand exploratory activity in the region, despite the climate crisis we face.
The Context of the Equatorial Margin
All the indicated areas are located in the so-called Equatorial Margin, a stretch of the Brazilian coast that extends from Rio Grande do Norte to Amapá. According to information from Megawhat, Cenário Energia, Petronotícias and TN Petróleo, there are 36 blocks in the Amazon River Mouth, 25 in Pará-Maranhão and another 25 in Barreirinhas, also on the Maranhão coast. This region is home to the largest mangrove area in Brazil, which stores almost 1.5 billion tons of CO2, in addition to a rich fauna and flora.
Implications and Challenges
The ANP reported that these blocks will not be offered in the 6th Cycle of the OPC, scheduled for October 7, due to the lack of time to carry out all the necessary procedures, including public hearings, new evaluations and final approval by the agency. However, the list of indicated blocks may include new areas in the basin, considering that in 2025, 47 blocks were offered in the Amazon River Mouth, but only 19 were auctioned.
Environmental Risks
A new report presented by Petrobras to IBAMA in the licensing process for the FZA-M-59 block confirms that a potential spill in the region could reach the Brazilian coast, which was previously denied by the oil company. This highlights the environmental risks associated with fossil fuel exploration in the Amazon River Mouth and the need to consider the climate implications of such activities.
Conclusion
The expansion of fossil fuel exploration in the Amazon River Mouth is a challenge to the climate crisis we face. It is essential to consider the environmental risks and climate implications of these activities, as well as to promote an energy planning that prioritizes renewable and sustainable energy sources.