Global Young Professionals – Culinary Passport: Brazil

Fernando C. Hernandez began his career as a mechanic in 2002 with Plug Power, specializing in the cryogenic transportation of hydrogen, CO₂, and LNG. Since then, Forbes has featured him. He is the Founder and Chairman of the Board at the Society for Low Carbon Technologies. Fernando is also a Business Ambassador (GlobalScot) to Scotland, appointed by Scotland’s longest-serving First Minister for his contributions to energy. He has earned a reputation for successfully collaborating with governments worldwide. This is reflected in his foreign affairs expertise, having influenced South America’s first legal framework for Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS)—approved by Brazil’s president through his role as CCS Brasil’s International Chairman.

Notably, he leveraged his hydrogen expertise to advance eFuel projects at Velocys, securing strategic partnerships with Honeywell UOP, Plug Power, and Technip Energies. When it comes to energy and low carbon, he is a multi-continental speaker, published author, philanthropist, inventor, and patent holder, fast-tracking emerging technologies. Fernando’s accomplishments in CCS, hydrogen, and sustainable technologies have earned him recognition as a multi-award-winning technology mentor by the UK’s Net Zero Technology Centre, backed by the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, bp, and Equinor.

His trilingual fluency has facilitated the execution of global projects and commercial initiatives. His expertise in foreign affairs, climate diplomacy, energy, and technology has led him to engage with presidents and ministers worldwide, as covered by the press.

Taís Soares is the North America Business Development Manager for New Energies at Vallourec, where she leads initiatives in carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS), as well as large-scale hydrogen storage. With a Master’s degree in Industrial Engineering and Computational Systems and a strong background in contract management, Taís focuses on building lasting customer partnerships that support innovative projects driving the energy transition. She is passionate about advancing sustainable solutions and shaping a cleaner energy future.