Fernando Nuño, Clean Energy Transition Programme Manager at International Copper Association, shares his insights and explains why he’s looking forward to CWIEME Berlin 2026. 

1. What initially interested you in the electrical engineering/coil winding industry?

My interest stems from the intersection of the energy transition and raw material strategy. Generators, motors and transformers can be seen as the 'engine room' of the modern world. They sit at the crossroads where natural resources – like copper – are transformed into the power that drives our society. 

For me, this industry isn't just about components. It's about the fundamental building blocks of a sustainable future.

2. Can you give me a brief history of your work in the industry?

I joined the International Copper Association (ICA) in 2007, where I’ve spent nearly two decades as a Program Manager for electrical applications. My role has been to understand the market dynamics, technology trends and regulations. I’ve focused on understanding the 'how and why' of copper usage across the entire energy landscape, from traditional power grids to the explosion of renewable energy and electric mobility. It’s been a multi-dimensional journey spanning technical R&D, regulatory complexity and the business shifts reshaping how we use electricity.

3. Why do you choose to attend CWIEME Berlin?

In this industry, you can't work in a silo. After our initial work in the transformer sector, it became clear that CWIEME Berlin is a key 'town square' for the entire value chain. It’s the place where you can have a policy discussion in one aisle and a deep-dive technical debate about winding configurations in the next. 

We attend to keep our finger on the pulse of the industry, gather intelligence on the transformer, motor and EV markets, and – most importantly – connect with the stakeholders who are actually building the hardware for the energy transition.
 

4. What are you most looking forward to seeing at this year's event?

I’m particularly excited about the synergy between the main exhibition and the Energy Efficiency in Motor Driven Systems (EEMODS) conference. 

Often, the research/policy world and the manufacturing world speak very different languages. Therefore, I’m looking forward to seeing how the latest innovations on the floor can solve the efficiency and circularity challenges being discussed in the conference rooms. Connecting those dots – from policy to production – is where the real progress happens.

5. What technology do you think is going to have the biggest impact over the next ten years?

In my view, the innovations are coming out of the e-mobility and high-efficiency motor sectors. We are currently seeing a 'perfect storm' of material science, power electronics and manufacturing automation. In the next decade, the drive for higher power density, circularity and reduced reliance on critical raw materials will significantly redefine motor design. It’s no longer just about making things work. It’s about making them efficient and sustainable at a massive scale.