State of Sergipe
Brazil's smallest mainland state grew 3.6% in 2024 on offshore energy—the SEAP project will supply one-third of national gas demand, attracting R$136.6 billion in PAC investments.
Sergipe—Brazil's smallest mainland state—grew at 3.6% in 2024, nearly triple initial forecasts and above the national 3.5% average. This dynamism centers on offshore energy: the state ranks 7th in gas and 6th in oil production nationally, with transformative expansion underway.
The Sergipe Deep Waters (SEAP) project, presented at the 2024 Sergipe Oil & Gas conference, will produce 240,000 barrels/day of oil and 18 million cubic meters/day of gas at full operation. FGV research calculates each R$1 billion invested in offshore fields generates R$1.3 billion for GDP and 7,000 jobs. Production potential represents approximately one-third of current national gas demand.
The state received R$136.6 billion through the Growth Acceleration Program (PAC)—first in the Northeast and fourth nationally—predominantly for energy development. Gas resources create "enormous opportunities" for thermal power, fertilizer production, glass, ceramics, and petrochemicals.
The fertilizer connection matters: Unigel's Laranjeiras plant can produce 650,000 tonnes/year of urea and 450,000 tonnes/year of ammonia. High gas prices halted production in 2023-2024, but Petrobras tolling agreements may restart operations. Conference consensus: "Sergipe is the new frontier for energy exploration in the country"—a window for technological development ensuring energy security through giant gas field development.