Brazil underexploits natural gas potential, says EPGE researcher

Despite having a good reserve of natural gas, with expectations for expansion with the extraction of pre-salt, the use of this fuel is not yet widely used. We have a supplement of natural gas in Brazil and we could also import more, but we still lack an adequate regulatory framework for the sector, said Joisa Campanher Dutra, coordinator of the Center for Regulation of EPGE in an interview with Conjuntura Econômica. Joisa defends market development in order to promote the coexistence of thermal energy and the use of gas in the industries. By firmly acquiring this gas, the thermoelectric plants seal a deal. When they do not need this input, the same gas could be piped to the industry, which would be able to store a certain stock, she explains. Another obstacle identified by the researcher is the domination of Petrobras, which critics say has not been able to fulfill the provisions of the established Gas Act. This is a relevant discussion that deserves attention, as this could be our next problem, she concludes.