Tadeu Carneiro is chief executive officer of Companhia Brasileira de Metalurgia e Mineração (CBMM), a position he has held since 2008. He joined CBMM over twenty-five years ago, having also served as president of CBMM North America, Inc., CBMM’s wholly owned subsidiary based in Pittsburgh, USA.
1. How would you define CBMM’s role in – and its contribution to – the evolving energy landscape?
For decades, CBMM has been developing niobium technology for applications where the element’s properties make it the unbeatable choice due to improved efficiency, safety and performance. The new energy landscape comprises a variety of sources and niobium provides a variety of benefits. Niobium steels are both tough and strong, which makes it possible to safely transport twice as much gas through pipelines. Wind towers made with niobium steels withstand fatigue and other stresses, increasing efficiency and prolonging life cycles. Adding niobium to the composition of batteries improves their energy storage capacities. These are just a few examples that are the result of continuous investments in R&D and partnerships to develop innovative technologies that address energy challenges.
2. How is CBMM responding to the global oil and gas oversupply?
Oversupply tends to be a cyclical phenomenon and CBMM has traditionally taken a long-term view to develop the most efficient solutions for our customers. We believe that the future will incorporate a mix of energy sources.
3. CBMM invests heavily in R&D, based on this experience, which energy-related developments do you find more promising?
The most promising developments in energy are in the areas that provide efficiencies either in generating, transporting or consuming energy. Energy storage solutions are at the top of the list as generated energy must be consumed or it will be wasted. We are working on niobium technologies that optimise energy storage.
4. What are the main priorities with regards to energy for CBMM’s business in Asia?
CBMM is focused on supporting technical developments that will consolidate the most efficient uses of niobium. Key activities in this aspect range from developing improved welding solutions that ensure the safest and most efficient gas pipelines, to identifying the right R&D partners to design future battery materials.
5. What are your thoughts on the SIEW 2016 theme New Energy Realities?
The theme is appropriate and timely since it is clear that a mix of energy sources will be the best solution to energy challenges. The answers will depend on economic, geographic and environmental considerations, and will be the result of collaboration among the academic community, industry and end-users.