TITLE:
Exploring the Synergy of Gas-Integrated Technologies in the Búzios Pre-Salt Field: A Case Study for a Pioneering Strategy in Early Monetization of Deep-Water Offshore Gas
AUTHORS:
Cristiano M. Borges, Lauron Arend, Hirdan Katarina de Medeiros Costa, Daniel Prata Vieira, Xuefeng Hu, Junkai Feng, Kazuo Nishimoto, Edmilson Moutinho dos Santos, Marcio A. Sampaio
KEYWORDS:
Monetization of Stranded Offshore Natural Gas, Floating Liquefied Natural Gas (FLNG), Small-Scale and Mobile Facilities, Techno-Economic Assessment
JOURNAL NAME:
Energy and Power Engineering,
Vol.17 No.8,
August
8,
2025
ABSTRACT: The effective utilization of natural gas from offshore fields presents both logistical and economic challenges, particularly in high associated gas production regions such as the Brazilian Santos Basin in the Pre-Salt Cluster. Conventional approaches, including methane-rich gas reinjection, often lead to economic inefficiencies and underutilized resources. This study evaluates an integrated solution that combines Small-Scale Mobile Floating Liquefied Natural Gas (ssm-FLNG) technology with a CO2 Water-Alternating-Gas enhanced oil recovery strategy, aiming to optimize gas monetization while simultaneously supporting oil recovery and long-term CO2 storage. Results indicate that ssm-FLNG can achieve competitive liquefaction costs, making it a feasible alternative to flaring or reinjection. Additionally, the CO2 Water-Alternating-Gas enhanced oil recovery approach enhances oil recovery by a revenue of 5.2 billion USD, generating additional revenue streams while reducing the carbon footprint. The combined system improves overall project economics, with a projected net present value of 12 billion USD and an internal rate of return surpassing industry benchmarks. By analyzing the feasibility of this approach in the Santos Basin, this study highlights the potential for ssm-FLNG, in conjunction with CO2 Water-Alternating-Gas enhanced oil recovery and CO2 storage, to enhance sustainability, reduce gas wastage, and improve the economic viability of pre-salt field development.