Brazil’s Energy Sector Leads Latin America

After a semester of top-caliber speakers, the Leaders in Global Energy lecture series concluded on December 6 with remarks on Brazil by António Bernardo, a member of the supervisory board at Roland Berger Strategy Consultants since December 2011. Bernardo, who is also managing director of his company’s offices in Portugal and Spain, discussed the challenges and opportunities in the energy sector of what he called “Latin America’s most dynamic market.”

View António Bernardo's remarks in their entirety.

“Specifically in energy,” he said, “Brazil is one of the key hubs, with its abundance of natural resources and booming energy sector.” He said more than 70 percent of the nation’s electricity production is based on renewables, with hydroelectric and solar leading the way. Meanwhile, deep-sea exploration is projected to further boost Brazil’s oil industry.

The rapid growth of the energy sector presents unique challenges and opportunities for Brazil, he said. “Energy infrastructure is a driving force of development and economic growth. Between oil and gas exploration, and power generation expansions, Brazil can benefit throughout the value chain.”

To reap the full benefits, however, Bernardo said it is important to have a stable regulatory environment. He said the Brazilian government must set clear guidelines to enable investment and innovation.

Looking ahead, Mr. Bernardo expressed optimism about both the Brazilian market and increasing interconnection of markets in the region. He said this is leading to a diversification of investments for private players that will continue to fuel growth in the region. Brazil is a fascinating market, he said: the reason Roland Berger is active there is the same reason interested young professionals should keep an eye on it.

Bernardo, who had also joined a class with Professor Manuel Pinho earlier in the day, said he was very impressed by the students in SIPA’s energy concentration. He announced that Roland Berger would launch a capstone project in collaboration with SIPA in the spring of 2014.

At Columbia, interest in and attention to Brazil continues to grow. Among other things, SIPA recently established dual-degree program with Fundação Getulio Vargas Escola de Administração de Empresas de São Paulo.

— Benjamin Martinez Newman

View António Bernardo's remarks in their entirety on SIPA's YouTube channel.