With the official start of production at the Bacalhau field, Equinor consolidates its presence in Brazil and advances in its energy strategy: using oil wells more efficiently and with a smaller carbon footprint.
Bacalhau production in the Santos Basin
This project is located more than 185 km off the coast of the state of São Paulo and in waters that are more than 2,000 meters deep. Bacalhau is the largest offshore field operated operated internationally by Equinor. Its reserves are estimated to exceed 1 billion barrels of oil equivalent, and its 370-meter FPSO has the capacity to process up to 220,000 barrels per day.
Phase 1 includes 19 wells between producers and injectors, which will be progressively activated. Equinor expects to provide an update on its performance in 2026, when a more stable production rate will be achieved.
Moreover, the characteristics of the Bacalhau field is the integration of combined cycle turbines (CCGT), a technology that allows the reduction of emissions. The projected carbon intensity is approximately 9 kg of CO₂ per barrel produced, setting a new standard for deepwater operations.
In addition, the operational design contemplates a reduction of flaring and an optimized generation and processing system. MODEC, responsible for the FPSOis currently managing the initial operations of the oil field.
The development of the field is supported by a consortium comprising Equinor (operator with 40%), ExxonMobil Brasil (40%), Petrogal Brasil (20%) and Pré-sal Petróleo SA. This joint effort strengthens Brazil’s role as a strategic hub in the global energy portfolio, and at the same time, will generate a direct economic impact: up to 50,000 jobs are projected during the 30 years of operation.
The Norwegian company, which has been present in the country for more than two decades, sees Bacalhau as an enduring project to achieve its goal of more than US$5 billion in free cash flow from its international portfolio by 2030.
The entry into operation of Bacalhau lays the groundwork for future developments in the Brazilian pre-salt, including the Raia project, which is expected to come on stream in 2028. With initiatives such as these, Equinor aims to consolidate a more profitable and responsible oil production model in the context of the global energy transition.
Source: Equinor
Photo: MODEC
