In a relaxed and emotional conversation, Nelson shares memories from the early days of TBG’s construction and the challenges that marked the beginning of a key player in the Brazilian gas transportation sector.

In the episode, the engineer notes how his more than two decades of experience at Petrobras shaped his arrival at TBG in 1998, when he was invited to structure the company’s Operations and Maintenance Department.

“I fell in love with natural gas. Bringing the first pipelines into operation—that won me over,” he recalls. After that, he was present at decisive moments in the company’s trajectory. With pride, Nelson highlights TBG’s historical importance for Brazil’s economic and energy development.

“TBG was a game changer. It brought natural gas to states that lacked it, encouraged the creation of gas distribution companies, generated many jobs, helped diversify the energy mix and transformed entire regions such as Paraná, Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul,” he says.

He also discusses some of the technological innovations introduced over the years, such as the remote operation of more than 2,500 kilometers of pipelines from the Supervision and Control Center in Rio de Janeiro, a pioneering model in the sector.

As well as achievements, Nelson recalls challenging situations such as operations during the pandemic, when the system was controlled for 500 days from controllers’ homes without any failures—providing an example of the resilience and team spirit that has shaped TBG’s culture.

“Every challenge was overcome. Gas transportation cannot stop. TBG has highly skilled professionals. One person’s problem is everyone’s problem,” he says.

Nelson, who received an award from the organizers of the Rio Pipeline trade show, speaks emotionally about this recognition, which made him a prominent national figure in the onshore pipeline sector. He also shares fond memories at the company such as playing Santa Claus at Christmas parties. “It’s something that gave me a lot of pleasure. People remember it even years later.”

At the end, he shares his plans for his retirement with his family, new projects and his desire to keep alive the friendships and learning built throughout his career.

“It was 30 years, not 30 days. It’s a lifetime. I’m leaving behind many friends and want to maintain those relationships. Whenever they need me, I will be close by.”

Alongside reflections on the gas market, the episode celebrates the legacy and lasting contribution Nelson leaves to TBG and Brazil’s pipeline sector.

Visit our YouTube channel to watch the full episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mCkXXM4vXK0