Petrobras and IFPEN sign strategic partnership

Press release
Paris, April 1, 2025

Petrobras and IFPEN sign strategic partnership for collaboration in research and innovation for energy transition and decarbonization
 

A Master Agreement between CENPES and IFPEN brings the institutions closer together and allows them to accelerate the development of Petrobras' energy transition projects.

Petrobras, through the Leopoldo Américo Miguez de Mello Research, Development and Innovation Center (CENPES), and IFP Energies Nouvelles (IFPEN) signed a strategic agreement (Master Agreement) on Thursday (27/3) to strengthen cooperation on issues related to the energy transition and decarbonization. The document provides for collaboration on research and development (R&D) projects, training and initiatives aimed at innovation in the energy sector.

The partnership has an initial duration of five years, with the possibility of renewal for a further five. In addition to the joint development of new technologies, the agreement establishes guidelines on different project models, intellectual property and the application of the technologies developed.

“We will exchange information and experiences for new projects in the areas of the environment, climate, renewable energies and the circular economy. Issues such as CO₂ capture and storage, renewable generation, energy storage, electric mobility and biofuels are among the topics that will be the subject of the Master Agreement,” said Renata Baruzzi, Director of Engineering, Technology and Innovation at Petrobras.

An excellent opportunity to accelerate Petrobras'decarbonization projects, the agreement is aligned with the company's 2050 Strategic Plan, which foresees investments in low-carbon initiatives worth US$ 16.3 billion In the next five years - a 42% increase on the current figure.

Broader than a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), the Master Agreement is a comprehensive contract that establishes the general terms and conditions between the parties for future transactions or specific agreements. It serves as a base document that standardizes essential clauses, optimizing negotiation time and speeding up the opening of new projects. In addition, the Master Agreement signed allows for partnerships with IFPEN subsidiaries, such as the Axens Group, Beicip-Franlab, IFP Training and GreenWits with whom Petrobras has already signed several partnerships.

With over 80 years of experience, IFPEN is a world reference in science and technology, with a strong presence in research focused on climate, the environment, carbon capture and storage (CCUS), renewable energy generation, sustainable mobility and energy efficiency. The French institute has been a partner of Petrobras for over 20 years in various technological innovation projects. Over the last 22 years, Petrobras and IFPEN have signed around 60 instruments, totaling R$34.7 million.

With the Axens group, Petrobras has already formalized 20 agreements and contracts, worth a total of R$230 million. In 2024, an agreement was signed to exchange strategic information for biomass conversion and biofuel production.

“In addition to being a world reference in research and innovation for the energy sector, IFPEN plays an important role in training specialists, through educational programs and training to develop highly qualified professionals. This commitment is part of Petrobras' vision of a sustainable future. With this step, we further promote science, technology and the ESG agenda,” said Baruzzi.