Voices of Hydro introduces the people behind the power. In this series, industry leaders share how they’re driving the sector forward by tackling challenges, championing innovations and sharing moments that made them proud. These are the people who keep our lights on and our energy future, secure.

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Please introduce yourself and tell us about your role.

Gil Maranhão Neto, civil engineer, working throughout the hydropower value chain for 33 years, being 30 years as a director and board member of ENGIE Brasil, with experiences in the concession, M&A, partnering, licensing, construction, implementation of social and environmental programs, marketing, procurement, regulation, advocacy, communication and investment approval processes. ENGIE manages 12.5 GW in 15 hydropower plants in the country, having an outstanding experience and reputation for the development of projects.

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What challenge in the hydropower sector is your organisation working to address?

ENGIE Brasil is contributing to the organisation of the business environment for the development of pumped storage in Brazil, including the concession, commercial and financing schemes; and at the same time, advocating for the recognition of the attributes of the conventional hydropower for the power sector and the feasibility of other renewable sources.

Is there a recent milestone or achievement from your organisation that you would like to highlight?

Receiving the gold-level certification against the Hydropower Sustainability Standard (HSS) for the 3.75 GW Jirau Hydropower Plant, awarded during the World Hydropower Congress, in Bali, Indonesia, in 2023.

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What are you most proud of at the moment?

Completing 30 years serving ENGIE in Brazil in 2026, as the first employee of ENGIE Group in the country; and 17 years as board member of the International Hydropower Association.

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