The Pelotas Basin is emerging as a promising hub for natural gas, with an estimated potential of 1 trillion cubic meters, according to Heloísa Borges.
Energy expert Heloísa Borges highlighted in an interview with estúdio eixos, during ROG.e 2026, the significant potential of the Pelotas Basin for natural gas exploration. Data from the Energy Research Office (EPE) indicate significant reserves in the region, totaling not only 3.6 billion barrels of oil equivalent, but also a substantial volume of natural gas.
According to Borges, the current moment is particularly favorable for the exploration of this resource. She points out that the global energy landscape points to an increase in demand for natural gas, which tends to drive interest and investment in the Pelotas Basin.
Deficit market and infrastructure as key drivers
The expert emphasizes that Southern Brazil, including Rio Grande do Sul, faces a considerable gas supply deficit. The existence of repressed demand and infrastructure bottlenecks create a favorable environment for the development of local production.
Heloísa Borges stated:
All scenarios were already counting on this gas production. Rio Grande do Sul, in particular, and the states in the southern region have a gas deficit, very high repressed demand, and an infrastructure bottleneck. So there is a market there for this gas, it should make sense.
Brazil: a safe haven for investment diversification
Heloísa Borges also commented on Brazil‘s strategic position in the international energy investment landscape. She assesses that the country benefits from the portfolio diversification trend adopted by global companies seeking to mitigate geopolitical risks.
Heloísa Borges explained:
You are not going to guess where the next conflict will break out. The solution to that is to diversify risk by diversifying your portfolio. And Brazil is very well positioned in this diversification strategy.
The confirmation of South America, led by Brazil, as the main driver of new reserve discoveries over the last 15 years reinforces this perspective. Borges argues that the country should take pride in its oil production, a sector that has boosted the economy, generated jobs and income, and contributed positively to the trade balance.
