Petrobras launches carbon‑neutral gasoline in Brazil
Petrobras this week announced the launch of the carbon-neutral Petrobras Podium gasoline. According to the state-run oil giant, it is the first gasoline on the Brazilian market to carry the title. The greenhouse gases emitted at all stages of the fuel’s cycle will be fully offset by measures to preserve or restore forests in Brazilian biomes.
Petrobras Podium gasoline was introduced in 2002 and has since undergone improvements. It is a high-performance fuel with the lowest sulfur content on the market and the highest factory octane rating. As a result, it improves vehicle performance, contributes to transportation efficiency, and slashes greenhouse gas emissions.
In order to add “carbon-neutral” to the fuel name, the company states it has adopted the life cycle assessment, in which the greenhouse gases emitted are measured from the extraction and production of raw materials, to its transportation, processing, distribution, and end use. The results were reviewed by experts from ACV Brasil consultancy.
The emissions from Petrobras Podium gasoline will be offset before it is sold to consumers, the company underscored, adding it is committed to increasing investments in low-carbon solutions and offering more sustainable and efficient products.
Produced at the Presidente Bernardes refinery, in Cubatão, São Paulo, Petrobras Podium is not found at all retailers and is available exclusively at selected Petrobras service stations in Brazil’s main cities.
Carbon market
The carbon market is a system for offsetting greenhouse gas emissions where carbon credits are traded and generated through initiatives that help reduce the stock of gases in the atmosphere.
In other words, credits operate as a currency that companies can buy to compensate for the emissions resulting from their operations and the use of their products. The strengthening of the carbon market has been identified by environmentalists as key in the fight against global warming. It is one of the strategies recommended for meeting the goals of the Paris Agreement, signed in 2015 by nearly 200 countries, including Brazil.
Last week, Petrobras announced its entry into this market by acquiring 175 thousand carbon credits generated by efforts to preserve the Amazon forest. One credit makes it possible to neutralize the emission of one ton of carbon dioxide equivalent.
