The China-Brazil Science and Technology Innovation Center (CBSTIC) commenced operations in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on December 8. Its launch signals a new stage in China-Brazil collaboration in science, technology and energy, advancing the partnership toward a more systematic and ecosystem-oriented framework.
Jointly established by the China National Offshore Oil Company (CNOOC), China University of Petroleum (Beijing), Brazilian state-run oil company Petrobras, and the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, the center will focus on pioneering energy sector research and the commercializing of technological innovations.
Brazil is home to the world’s largest deepwater pre-salt oilfield clusters and boasts vast potential in renewable energy, including wind and solar power, while China holds strong advantages in energy development technologies and green equipment manufacturing. CNOOC has applied advanced deepwater development technologies in the Búzios Phase V project, becoming the first foreign oil company in Brazil to independently sell natural gas without equity participation, and establishing itself as a major natural gas supplier in the country.
Looking ahead, the center will integrate the complementary strengths of the four partnering institutions. It will leverage the extensive industrial experience of CNOOC and Petrobras—particularly in ultra-deepwater fields such as Búzios and Mero — while combining the scientific and technological innovation capabilities of China University of Petroleum (Beijing) and the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro. Together, they aim to foster a cooperation ecosystem that deeply integrates industry, academia, research and application, establishing an effective platform for technical exchange and results sharing. This will support joint breakthroughs in areas including green development of deep-sea oil and gas, as well as the application of photovoltaic and wind power technologies.
The Second China-Brazil Science and Technology Innovation Forum was also held in Rio de Janeiro recently. Centered on energy development and sci-tech industrial innovation, the forum sought to deepen pragmatic cooperation and promote shared growth between the two countries. Multiple parallel sessions covered topics such as digital applications, offshore decarbonization, decommissioning and reuse, cost reduction through technology, renewable energy, and talent development. Representatives from governments, energy companies, universities, and research institutions from both countries engaged in in-depth discussions, effectively advancing cooperation in science and technology innovation and injecting fresh technological momentum into the China-Brazil comprehensive strategic partnership.
(Executive editor: Yuan Ting)
