Rafael Amaral

For more than 15 years, Rafael Amaral has been part of the renewable energy industry, steadily contributing to the deployment of utility-scale power systems across different regions of the world. With a background in electrical engineering, he understood early in his career that credibility in this field must be earned through consistent performance. Systems must function reliably, safety must be prioritized, and teams must deliver results on time.

Rafael currently serves as Executive Vice President at RNWBL, where he is fully responsible for a portfolio valued at approximately $220 million. This includes field services, repowering, projects, and asset management across wind, solar, and battery storage operations throughout North America.

From Engineering Foundations to Executive Accountability

Rafael’s journey began in Brazil, where he graduated as valedictorian in Electrical Engineering from Universidade Salvador. His early experience designing electrical systems, substations, and other power infrastructure laid the groundwork for a deep understanding of how energy systems respond under real-world conditions.

This technical foundation proved essential as his responsibilities grew. In large renewable operations, small technical choices often carry significant consequences. His ability to navigate such complexities became a key strength as he moved into roles with broader accountability.

In 2011, Rafael Amaral of Florida joined a global energy services company, where he advanced through a range of leadership positions over nearly a decade. Starting with wind commissioning and site management, he was responsible for delivering turbines, managing engineering tasks, and coordinating with clients. Over time, he led service teams in several Latin American countries, expanding operations beyond Brazil. Eventually, he assumed regional responsibility for a $10 million business with around 120 employees. Leading dispersed teams across remote areas helped him define critical operational boundaries and leadership practices.

Leading at Scale Across Regions and Borders

Rafael’s transition into senior leadership brought a shift from regional operations to global coordination. As Global Renewables Resource Director, he led the workforce strategy for approximately 1,600 field employees operating across 25 countries. His work involved labor forecasting, training plans, and the development of country-specific operational manuals.

He later took on global operational leadership of renewables, overseeing activities valued at nearly $190 million annually. The goal was to bring consistent outcomes across markets with differing regulatory, cultural, and logistical environments. Lean methodologies and continuous improvement were applied directly to reduce errors, enhance safety, and maintain financial stability.

Subsequently, he led regional operations first in North America and then across the Americas. Each of these roles involved managing more than 1,200 employees and revenue streams of up to $160 million. These roles required careful coordination of growth, team capabilities, and project delivery, especially as renewable portfolios in developed markets expanded rapidly year after year.

Driving Integration and Performance at RNWBL

He joined RNWBL during a period of rapid change and organizational growth. In early 2024, he led efforts to optimize the platform by integrating more than 10 acquired companies into a unified operating structure. This process required aligning teams, processes, systems, and cultures while maintaining service and financial performance across a portfolio generating approximately $220 million in annual revenue.

Later that year, he became Chief Operating Officer. In this role, he was responsible for construction and operations across wind, solar, and battery projects in both the U.S. and Canada. His responsibilities centered on stabilizing project execution, improving performance through practical application of technology, and preparing the organization for large-scale expansion.

Rafael now leads business development, operations, and go-to-market strategy for Field Services, Projects, and Asset Management. His approach focuses on long-term value, reliability, and disciplined delivery. For him, renewable assets succeed only if they perform as intended and deliver the expected returns over time.

Education, Perspective, and Community

In addition to his engineering degree, he holds an MBA in Finance and Project Management from Fundação Getulio Vargas. He has also completed executive programs at respected institutions such as Yale University, the University of Michigan, GE Crotonville, Eckerd College, and the University of Florida. These experiences have strengthened his leadership and financial capabilities, complementing his practical, field-based approach.

Rafael is a licensed Professional Electrical Engineer in Brazil and a certified Project Management Professional. With fluency in both technical and business environments, he collaborates effectively with engineers, field personnel, customers, and financial stakeholders, helping bridge complex information into clear decisions.

Now living in Florida, he brings global experience into a local setting. His personal and professional ties to the region influence his approach to leadership, responsibility, and sustainable progress.

A Leader Shaped by Execution

Rafael Amaral’s journey has been shaped by practical experience, thoughtful leadership, and consistent performance. He has taken ownership in critical moments, guided teams through organizational change, and contributed to meaningful growth in the renewable sector. His career reflects the idea that in this industry, results matter, execution is essential, and effective leadership remains at the core of every success.

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