Brazilian Engineer Leads U.S. Power Grid Enhancement, Promotes Diversity at Home
A Brazilian engineer at Hitachi Energy is playing a key role in a major U.S. power grid enhancement project, while also promoting diversity and inclusion in their home country's thriving renewable energy sector. This professional's journey, from a curiosity in math to designing power plants and now advising on high-voltage direct current (HVDC) converter stations, is a testament to their passion for engineering.
The engineer, based in Guarulhos, Brazil, is part of Hitachi's Power Consulting department. They are involved in the early-stage engineering services for the North Plains Connector interregional transmission line project in the U.S. This project aims to boost transmission capacity between the Eastern and Western grids to meet the growing energy demand from data centers and industrial electrification.
Brazil's power grid is unique, with only one state not electrically interconnected. The engineer's expertise in HVDC converter stations is crucial for this interconnection project. Their role involves developing technical specifications for these stations, which are vital for efficient and reliable power transmission over long distances.
When not working on international projects, the engineer is active in promoting diversity and inclusion. They are part of the local Diversity 360 committee at Hitachi Energy, contributing to a more inclusive work environment.
The engineer's interest in engineering was sparked by their love for math and a desire to understand how the world works. They appreciate the multidisciplinary nature of engineering, which combines math, physics, and chemistry. Their career at Hitachi spans over a decade, starting with electrical and mechanical substation design and evolving to include power plant layout design and operation management.
In their free time, the engineer is a passionate musician, playing bass in three different bands. They explore various genres, including Brazilian music, classic rock, and even tribute bands for Sepultura.
Hitachi, with this engineer's contributions, is at the forefront of Brazil's energy transition. They are involved in nine of Brazil's eleven large green hydrogen projects, driving decarbonization and sustainability. Meanwhile, the engineer's work on the North Plains Connector project is enhancing the U.S. power grid's resilience and capacity, supporting the growing energy demands of the digital age.
