The Brazilian Environmental Institute (IBAMA) has granted Norwegian energy company Equinor the Installation License for the offshore section of its Raia Project gas pipeline, a crucial step forward for one of Brazil's largest natural gas initiatives. 

The authorisation allows Equinor to commence installation of the offshore pipeline, which will link the Raia floating production, storage, and offloading (FPSO) unit to the Cabiúnas natural gas processing unit in Macaé.

Projected to supply 15% of Brazil's natural gas demand when it begins operations in 2028, the Raia Pipeline Project will significantly bolster the nation's energy security and contribute to national development. 

According to Equinor, the pipeline project will not only bolster the country’s energy security but could also generate up to 50,000 direct and indirect jobs over its lifespan. 

The pipeline will consist of a total of 204 kilometres, originating from the Raia Manta and Raia Pintada fields in the Campos Basin, approximately 200 kilometres (124 miles) off the coast of Rio de Janeiro. 

It comprises a 200-kilometre offshore section and 4 kilometres onshore, designed to interconnect with the Nova Transportadora do Sudeste (NTS) network in Macaé. 

Based on its special design, all gas processing will occur offshore, a key technical innovation that eliminates the need for onshore facilities, marking Brazil's first pipeline to deliver specified offshore gas directly to the transportation system.

The Raia Project is operated by Equinor (35%) in consortium with Repsol Sinopec (35%) and Petrobras (30%). When completed, it will transport 16 million cubic meters of gas per day to the mainland. 

With the award of the installation licence, Equinor has 60 days to submit a development plan for the unified area.

Recently, the National Petroleum Agency (ANP) approved the unification of the Raia Manta and Raia Pintada fields, now collectively named Raia Mantada, recognising they share the same production unit and to optimise government tax revenues. 

The project also received approval from Brazil's Energy Research Company (EPE) last month to begin early implementation.