Matthew C. Coates is a seasoned executive in the energy sector, currently serving as the VP of development at NextEra Energy, Inc., where the leadership of the North American competitive development team for NextEra Energy Transmission entails his primary responsibility.
In an industry where disruption and innovation go hand in hand, Matthew C. Coates has built a career by mastering both. His deep expertise spanning traditional power generation, renewables and large-scale infrastructure has helped him mold the energy sector into one driven by unmatched efficiency.
Coates’ reputation for turning complex challenges into opportunities for growth precedes him. His ability to blend technical, financial and commercial acumen has made him a pivotal force behind some of the industry’s high-stakes projects.
A Career Defined by Flawless Execution
Success in the energy industry is about knowing how to make things happen. Coates has spent over two decades leading major projects in wind, solar, natural gas and energy storage, seamlessly balancing technical execution and high-level strategy.
As the VP of development at NextEra Energy, Inc., he leads the charge in developing North America’s competitive transmission projects, strengthening the grid to support the growing demands of clean energy. His team recently secured the Crossroads–Hobbs– Roadrunner 345 kV transmission upgrade, a critical project that promises customers reliable and economical energy delivery through new transmission solutions and drives measurable growth for the Southwest Power Pool region. Initiatives like these summarize Coates’ career—big, impactful and essential to the future of energy infrastructure.
Before NextEra, he spent nearly six years at RES Americas, spearheading commercial strategy, procurement and execution for large-scale renewable energy projects. Managing everything from EPC and BOP contracts to strategic procurement and project planning, he played a key role in expanding RES’ footprint across wind, solar and storage. His leadership was instrumental in securing complex deals and ensuring projects moved from concept to completion without compromise.
During the initial stages of his career, Coates held key positions at Nordex/Acciona Windpower and GE, where he honed his ability to balance risk, market strategy and financial modeling. He closed 27 transactions worth $4.6 billion at GE alone, proving his ability to negotiate and execute at the highest levels.
Leadership Excellence that Transcends Transactions
In the energy sector, contracts can stretch for decades, and the stakes are billion dollars high. Leadership brilliance in this industry is determined by long-term vision. Coates’ superior technical capabilities are matched by his interpersonal skills and clear thinking. He juggles building high-performance teams and fostering strong industry relationships with an unmatched level of perfection.
As the industry accelerates its efforts to build a more sustainable future, Coates remains at the forefront. His expertise in carbon economics, project finance and market expansion positions him as a key voice in shaping the upcoming era of power infrastructure. Whether upgrading the grid, expanding renewable projects or optimizing financial strategies, his influence will undoubtedly reverberate across the entire energy landscape and help make the energy transformation easier.
The future of energy hinges on impeccable execution, strategic foresight and a commitment to progress—all qualities that Coates embodies. Entrusting someone like him with the charge to lead the energy evolution underway is a decision that does not require a second thought.
