A União Faz a Força: Celebrating Brazilian Heritage at Mitsubishi Power

Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to honor the contributions of Hispanic and Latinx individuals to the United States. At Mitsubishi Power, we celebrate the diverse cultures that make up our global workforce. Today, we shine a spotlight on our Brazilian colleagues, whose unique perspectives and expertise have significantly contributed to our company's success. 

Did You Know? Mitsubishi Power's Deep Roots in Brazil 

Our journey in Brazil is a testament to the company's commitment to global expansion. Since its initial entry into the South American market, Mitsubishi Power has achieved remarkable milestones, including the construction of state-of-the-art power plants such as UTE Novo Tempo Barcarena and UTE Marlim Azul. These projects have not only bolstered Brazil's energy infrastructure but have also fostered a strong sense of community among Mitsubishi employees while demonstrating the company’s commitment to the local market. 

A History of Milestones 

Mitsubishi Power’s journey in Brazil strengthened with the successful development and construction of the Marlim Azul power plant, a groundbreaking project that harnesses the power of pre-salt natural gas to generate electricity. This initiative marked a significant milestone for the company and the Brazilian energy sector, demonstrating the potential of innovative technologies and sustainable practices. 

Key Achievements

• Marlim Azul Power Plant: As Brazil’s first and only pre-salt gas-fired thermal generation project, Marlim Azul set a new standard for efficiency and environmental sustainability. Equipped with Mitsubishi Power’s advanced M501JAC gas turbine, the plant offers a reliable and competitive energy solution. 

• UTE Novo Tempo Barcarena: Another major GTCC project, UTE Novo Tempo Barcarena, showcases Mitsubishi Power’s commitment to supporting Brazil'’s energy needs. This power plant plays a crucial role in providing electricity to the region and contributing to the country’s economic development.

• UTE Portocem: The UTE Portocem project, currently under construction with partner CONSAG Engenharia, will further strengthen Brazil'’s energy infrastructure. As one of the largest power plants in Latin America, UTE Portocem will provide reliable and dispatchable power capacity to the national grid. 

Partnerships and Innovation 

Mitsubishi Power's success in Brazil is underpinned by its strong partnerships with local companies, government agencies, and international organizations. These collaborations have enabled the company to leverage its expertise and resources to develop solutions that address the specific needs of the Brazilian market. 

In addition, the company's commitment to innovation has been instrumental in driving the adoption of advanced technologies. Their focus on research and development has resulted in the development of efficient and sustainable power generation solutions.  

Voices of Brazil 

The company’s success in the Brazilian market is only possible due to our amazing local teams across the country. Whether on the ground at the different sites, or in our corporate office in Sao Paulo, they bring a wealth of experience, technical skills, and insights to their respective roles. To showcase their diversity, let's delve deeper into the stories of Aluizio, Nikita, and Sergio, three remarkable individuals who embody the spirit of Brazilian culture and innovation at Mitsubishi Power. 

Aluizio Steckelberg: A Pillar of Construction

Aluizio Steckelberg, a seasoned Construction Manager, joined Mitsubishi Power with a wealth of experience and a deep-rooted passion for infrastructure construction in Brazil. His commitment to building a better future for his country is evident in his work. As he stated, "A oportunidade de enfrentar novos desafios, conhecer novas tecnologias, ao mesmo tempo contribuir com o desenvolvimento do nosso país e criar condições de uma melhor qualidade de vida para os habitantes das regiões onde nossos projetos são implantados." (English: "The opportunity to face new challenges, learn about new technologies, at the same time contribute to the development of our country, while improving the quality of life for the people of the regions where our projects are implemented.") 

Aluizio's leadership style is characterized by his ability to foster a collaborative and supportive work environment, drawing inspiration from the Brazilian traits of fazer acontecer and uniao (1)."Exatamente devido ao conceito de união criado em minha formação me direciona a trabalhar em equipe na solução de problemas e sou muito aberto a aceitar soluções inovadoras e simples" (English: "Because of the concept of unity and collaboration being such a vital concept throughout my professional growth, I am guided to work as a team when solving problems and I’m always open to innovative and simple ways to solve problems”), he explained. Under Aluizio's guidance, our projects have not only met but exceeded expectations, leaving a legacy in the Brazilian energy landscape. 

• (1) The terms "fazer acontecer" and "uniao" do have translations, but they don't capture the full cultural context and nuances. "Fazer acontecer" can be translated as "make it happen" referring to the creative and resourceful way Brazilians solve problems. "Uniao" translates to "union" or "unity," emphasizing togetherness and collaboration. 

Nikita Rogers: A Global Vision 

Nikita, a Site Administrative Analyst, brings a breath of fresh air to Mitsubishi Power, her infectious enthusiasm and her passion for her work is palpable. Drawn to the company's global reach and the opportunity to work on challenging projects, Nikita quickly became an integral part of the team. As she shared, "No final da pandemia eu estava em busca de um novo cargo, incrivelmente abriu uma oportunidade de trabalho e vi isso no meu email. Quando vi que era Mitsubishi fiquei em êxtase."  (English: At the end of the pandemic, I was looking for a new position, and an incredible job opportunity appeared in my inbox. When I saw it was Mitsubishi I was ecstatic). 

Nikita's ability to seamlessly navigate different cultures is a testament to her adaptability and open-mindedness. "Todos os dias me deparo com novos desafios e isso testa minha integridade, a vontade de trabalhar com diferentes culturas de todo o mundo abriu tantas oportunidades para mim," (English: Every day I am faced with new tasks that challenge me, and the ability to work with different cultures from all over the world has opened so many opportunities for me.) she remarked. Nikita's passion for connecting with people from all walks of life has enriched the workplace and strengthened our camraderie. 

Sergio Silva: The Financial Maestro

Sergio Silva, a financial expert, has played a pivotal role in driving Mitsubishi Power's success in Brazil. With his analytical thinking and understanding of the local operations, Sergio has been instrumental in ensuring their financial success of the projects. As he shared, "O desafio de ser o responsável pela parte financeira dos projetos no Brasil, em um seguimento diferente, foi o que me atraiu para essa empresa em Julho de 2020," (English: The challenge of being responsible for the financial side of projects in Brazil, in a different segment, was what attracted me to this company in July 2020.) 

Sergio's commitment to excellence and his ability to build strong relationships have made him a respected leader within the company. He embodies the Brazilian value of hospitalidade, creating a welcoming atmosphere for colleagues and partners alike. "O Brasil é um pais muito acolhedor, um aspecto da nossa cultura que ajuda muito no trabalho em equipe," he shared (English: Brazil is a very welcoming country, an aspect of our culture that helps a lot in teamwork.). Sergio's financial expertise has been invaluable in navigating the complexities of thermal power generation construction, contributing significantly to our company's success. 

Additional Insights 

Beyond their primary roles, Nikita, Aluizio, and Sergio have also made significant contributions to the company's culture and community. Nikita's multilingual skills and cultural sensitivity have fostered a more inclusive workplace, while Aluizio's leadership has inspired and motivated his team members. Sergio’s background has played a crucial role in promoting collaboration and delivering successful projects in the challenging Brazilian market. 

Together, these three individuals represent the best of Brazilian talent and culture at Mitsubishi Power. Their dedication, expertise, and passion for their work have made a lasting impact on our company. As we celebrate Hispanic and LatinX Heritage Month, we honor the contributions of our Brazilian colleagues and look forward to a future filled with continued success and innovation. 

Brazilian Cultural Traits: A Source of Strength 

The Brazilian cultural values of fazer acontecer, hospitality, adaptability, and teamwork have played a crucial role in the success of Mitsubishi Power in Brazil. These values have allowed our Brazilian employees to navigate challenges, build strong relationships, and foster a culture of innovation and collaboration.

• • Fazer acontecer, the ability to find creative solutions to problems, has proven invaluable in the fast-paced and ever-changing world of energy. Our Brazilian employees are experts at adapting to new technologies and finding innovative ways to overcome obstacles. 

• • Hospitality has created a welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and supported. This sense of community has fostered strong teamwork and collaboration, leading to greater efficiency and productivity. 

• • Adaptability has been essential for navigating the challenges and uncertainties of the energy industry. Our Brazilian employees have demonstrated a remarkable ability to adapt to changing conditions and embrace new technologies, ensuring the company's continued success. 

• • Teamwork is a core value in Brazilian culture, and it is evident in the way our Brazilian employees work together. The collaborative spirit and willingness to share knowledge and expertise have fostered a strong sense of camaraderie and a culture of continuous improvement. 

• A Brighter Future Together 

• Brazil's commitment to reducing emissions by 50% by 2030 and achieving climate neutrality by 2050 aligns perfectly with Mitsubishi Power's focus on sustainable energy solutions. The company has been instrumental in providing advanced technologies and expertise to help Brazil achieve these ambitious targets. 

• Advanced Gas Turbine Technologies 

• J-series Gas Turbines: Mitsubishi Power is investing in the development of its next-generation J-series gas turbines, which offer efficiency of over 64% and reduce CO2 emissions by approximately 50% compared to conventional coal-fired power generation systems. These turbines will be ideal for combined cycle and simple cycle power plants, providing flexible and efficient power generation. The Portocem Thermoelectric Power Plant, which will provide 1.6 GW of reliable power to the national grid, will use four M501JAC air-cooled gas turbines from Mitsubishi Power.  

• Renewable Energy Integration

• Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS): Mitsubishi Power is working on integrating BESS with renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power. These systems can help balance supply and demand, improve grid stability, and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. 

• Hybrid Power Plants: The company is exploring the development of hybrid power plants that combine gas turbines with renewable energy sources. These plants can provide flexible and reliable power while reducing emissions.

Partnerships and Collaborations 

• • Research and Development Centers: Mitsubishi Power is expanding its research and development capabilities in Brazil to foster innovation and develop new technologies tailored to the country's specific needs. 

• • Local Supply Chains: The company is working to strengthen its local supply chains in Brazil, supporting domestic industries and creating jobs. 

• • Academia and Government: Mitsubishi Power is collaborating with the University of São Paulo and several government agencies such as the National Electric Energy Agency (ANEEL) and the Brazilian Development Bank to advance research and development in clean energy technologies. 

• As Brazil strives for a sustainable energy future, Mitsubishi Power's innovative technologies, partnerships, and commitment to research and development are vital moving the world forward. 

• A Celebration of Diversity

• By fostering a sense of belonging and encouraging open dialogue, we can tap into the collective wisdom of our employees and drive innovation. Our Brazilian colleagues bring a wealth of knowledge, skills, and perspectives that have enriched our company and made us a global leader. 

  As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, let us take a moment to recognize the invaluable contributions of our Brazilian employees. Their commitment to excellence, coupled with their unique cultural perspectives, have helped Mitsubishi Power achieve global success. By embracing diversity and fostering a culture of inclusion, we can continue to break new ground and shape a brighter future together. 

  A União Faz a Força – United we stand, stronger together.