How can we ensure that the investments needed to connect potential supply with gas demand are implemented in a timely, coordinated and efficient manner? A presentation will be made of the rationale and status of the National Integrated Natural Gas and Biomethane Infrastructure Plan (PNIIGB). The panel will bring the private sector’s view of investment opportunities and risk perception.

Mature natural gas markets are characterized by multiple transactions carried out in a competitive environment, creating liquidity, flexibility and development in the short-term market (hub for trading the gas molecule). The Brazilian natural gas market is taking its first steps in this direction, but we must go on regulating the provisions of the New Gas Act as quickly as possible. This panel will assess the status quo of the opening process and point out the challenges to be faced by agents in order to move forward with the implementation of an open, dynamic and competitive gas market.

This session will discuss the most pressing regulatory and operational topics regarding gas transportation, bringing in the views of carriers and shippers. Topics such as tariffs, BRA amortization, impacts of the end of legacy contracts, and expansion plans, among others, will be discussed.

With the opening of the natural gas market, new activities have emerged throughout the gas value chain and new/more numerous transactions between agents in the sector. This new business environment implies an increase in tax complexity, with operational problems that must be addressed. In this context, a new challenge arises due to the recent passing of the Tax Reform Bill. It is crucial to ensure legal certainty for the transition period of the tax model, securitizing economic conditions to boost growth in gas demand and the development of new associated businesses. This session will discuss both short-term operational problems and future challenges arising from the Tax Reform and the necessary updating of the tax framework for natural gas transportation.

The role of natural gas in moving towards a low-carbon economy has become more prominent around the world, but in discussions about Brazil’s decarbonization strategies, there are different and sometimes contradictory views. This session will begin with a presentation of the Sectoral Climate Plan – Mitigation and Adaptation – for the Energy Sector, to discuss the potential of natural gas as an enabling activity for the decarbonization of various sectors of the economy, for example, in replacing the use of coal and liquid fossil fuels. In addition, the role of gas as an energy source with the best vocation for complementing renewable energy generation will be discussed, ensuring security of electricity supply and its resilience in the face of extreme climatic events. Natural gas is also being positioned as a precursor and facilitator of the widespread use of biomethane.