- Petrobras, Brazil’s largest oil and gas company, has announced the launch of a research and development project to venture into Bitcoin mining.
- Petrobras plans to harness the gas generated during oil extraction to power Bitcoin mining, enhance energy efficiency, and lower carbon emissions.
Petrobras, Brazil’s largest oil and gas company and one of the largest globally, is making headlines as it prepares to explore the Bitcoin (BTC) arena. With operations spanning 18 countries and a market capitalization of $85 billion, Petrobras has announced the launch of a Research & Development (R&D) project to study the integration of Bitcoin into its operations. The announcement was made by the company’s Blockchain and Tokenization Economy Architect, Marcelo Curi, via LinkedIn.
Petrobras’ plan to repurpose associated gas involves using the natural gas that is often produced as a byproduct during oil extraction. Typically, this gas is either flared or vented into the atmosphere when it cannot be economically captured or transported for sale. Both practices contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and energy waste.
Instead of letting the gas go unused, Petrobras aims to channel it as a power source for Bitcoin mining operations. Bitcoin mining requires significant computational power and, in turn, large amounts of energy.
To spearhead this project, Petrobras has assembled a multidisciplinary team comprising its Development and Innovation Center (Cenpe), Petrobras University, and Ledger Labs from the Business School at the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro (PUC-Rio). The team will focus on areas such as tokenization, Web3 technologies, and various consensus mechanisms, with Bitcoin mining being a central point of exploration. The broader aim is to develop innovative business models and processes that incorporate blockchain technologies while contributing to the global transition toward greener, more sustainable practices.
A History of Blockchain Involvement
This isn’t Petrobras’ first foray into blockchain. As we reported, in 2023, the company partnered with the Cardano Foundation to deepen its knowledge of blockchain technology. The Cardano Foundation played a central role in this partnership by delivering specialized blockchain training to Petrobras employees. Approximately 40,000 employees benefited from the program, which included tailored content designed to introduce the fundamentals of blockchain and its applications in the energy industry.
To further engage participants, the first 500 employees who completed the program were rewarded with exclusive NFTs, adding a unique digital element to their learning experience.
Petrobras’ interest in blockchain extends back further. In 2021, the company collaborated with PUC-Rio on a study that identified 41 global cases of blockchain implementation within the oil and gas industry, four of which were in Brazil. The study concluded that blockchain could drive innovation and efficiency across the sector by fostering deeper reflections on existing processes and enabling transformative changes.
Petrobras follows in the footsteps of other global giants like Exxon Mobil, the world’s second-largest oil company. In 2022, Exxon announced a project to utilize surplus natural gas for Bitcoin mining, demonstrating how energy companies are increasingly integrating cryptocurrency and blockchain technologies into their operations to maximize efficiency and profitability.
