Q: Tell us your background and when you first became interested in energy?
A: I was born in Brazil where I graduated as a chemical engineer, with subsequent post-graduate work in environmental engineering and energy planning. My interest in energy and environment started at the university, with research on municipal solid waste, bioenergy and environmental assessment. After my first post-graduate qualification, I joined COMGAS, the São Paulo State Gas utility, just as the 1979 oil crisis caused shockwaves to the world economy.

Q: Was that a formative experience for you as a young person in the power sector?
A: The crisis resulted in high inflation, recession and spiralling debt, because Brazil was a net oil importer and didn’t have much natural gas. There was rationing of diesel and petrol, and the petrol stations were mandated to shut down in the evening. However, the crisis also prompted the government to foster the exploration of deepwater oil fields, to further promote the supply of sugar cane ethanol, and to create an energy efficiency project for industrial and commercial consumers.

I became increasingly aware of the need to diversify and secure energy supplies, so I became a pioneer in developing biogas projects in São Paulo to help alleviate the oil dependency burden. Later on, I coordinated the introduction of natural gas in our distribution system.

Q: Tell us about your current job and industry?
A: In 1998, I joined BP, and moved to the UK in 2002, where I spent nearly 14 years developing natural gas and solar projects in emerging markets. Over the last decade, I decided to follow the non-executive career path and I joined boards of public and private companies in different geographies, such as Brazil, the US, Central America, Singapore, the UK and the Isle of Man.

Q: How is your work is contributing toward a just transition to net zero?
A: As countries and companies have pledged to reach net zero, it is essential that we devise ambitious and robust pathways for the medium- and long-term, and also provide credible disclosure of our objectives and achievements. This encompasses the pursuit of the best available options to decarbonise our operations and products, and to invest in innovation.

Q: How did you first hear about the Energy Institute and what motivated you to join?
A: I had my first contact with the Energy Institute in 2000, when I was invited to the IP Week [International Petroleum] Gala Dinner in my capacity as President of BP Brasil. Since then I have attended several EI events, and in 2022 I joined the Board of IE Week [International Energy Week], becoming an EI Fellow in 2023.

Since 2000, the energy world has changed a lot, and the Energy Institute has been keen to adapt and evolve, by leading discussions on energy transition and security, geopolitics, human capital, technology and innovation.

I see lots of benefits of being a member. The EI provides a great opportunity to learn through events and courses. In addition, I have moderated a couple of panels at IE Week, which projects your image all over the world.

Q: Although you have only recently joined the EI, what synergies have you discovered between being an EI member and a non-executive director?
A: Being an EI member provides important networking and connectivity with fellow directors in the energy industry as well as enhancing my knowledge in regard to the energy transition, energy security and energy policies. Company directors need to continuously update and enhance their skills in a world of continuous change.

The views and opinions expressed in this article are strictly those of the author only and are not necessarily given or endorsed by or on behalf of the Energy Institute.

If you’re keen to follow in Ieda’s footsteps, click through to find more about how to become a Fellow of the Energy Institute (FEI)