Breaking Barriers in Renewable Energy: Kimberlee Centera on Risk, Leadership & Empowering Women in Cleantech

In this episode of Green Giants: Titans of Renewable Energy, we sit down with Kimberlee Centera, CEO of TerraPro Solutions, a trailblazer in renewable energy risk management and a fierce advocate for women in cleantech. With over 24 GW of solar, wind, and energy storage projects under her leadership, Kimberlee has built a company that not only mitigates project risk but also mentors and elevates the next generation of women leaders in the industry.

As the only female CEO of a privately held, utility-scale renewable energy consulting firm, Kimberlee is on a mission to increase diversity, create leadership pathways, and remove barriers for women in a traditionally male-dominated field. Her journey—from overcoming industry challenges to founding one of the most trusted consulting firms in clean energy—is a masterclass in resilience, leadership, and innovation.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• Kimberlee’s journey – How an early connection to science, a leap of faith, and mentorship from key industry figures led her to build TerraPro Solutions.
• Risk in renewable energy development – The biggest challenges facing solar and wind developers and why time, collaboration, and proactive planning are critical for success.
• Legal complexities and risk mitigation – How mineral rights disputes, title issues, and regulatory hurdles can threaten projects—and the strategies Kimberlee’s team uses to solve them.
• Industry challenges and innovations – Kimberlee’s take on the future of AI in renewables, the evolving policy landscape, and what’s next for utility-scale clean energy projects.
• Empowering women in cleantech – Kimberlee shares her approach to mentorship, leadership development, and building a company culture where women thrive.
• Lessons in leadership – The importance of collaboration, resilience, and intentional leadership in driving success for individuals and organizations alike.
• The power of relationships – How trust, transparency, and industry connections can make or break a renewable energy project—and why Kimberlee believes relationships are the key to long-term success.

Kimberlee’s Mission: Mentoring & Elevating Women in Energy

Kimberlee is committed to fostering the next generation of female leaders in renewable energy. From mentoring women in India, Brazil, and the U.S. to building an inclusive culture at TerraPro Solutions, she works to increase representation, create leadership opportunities, and ensure women’s voices are heard at the highest levels.

She believes asking for help, seeking mentorship, and building a strong network are key to success. In this episode, she shares actionable advice for women entering or advancing in renewable energy and her vision for a more diverse, inclusive, and thriving industry.

Key Takeaways:

✅ Proactive risk management is essential for large-scale renewable energy projects.
✅ Developers often underestimate the importance of stakeholder collaboration, which can cost time and money.
✅ AI and automation are set to transform how projects are developed and financed.
✅ Mentorship and leadership development are key to building a strong, diverse workforce in clean energy.
✅ Women bring unique strengths to the renewable energy sector, including collaborative problem-solving and innovation.

Links:
Kimberlee on LinkedIn
TerraPro Solutions

Wes Ashworth: https://www.linkedin.com/in/weslgs/

• Email: wes@leegroupsearch.com
• https://leegroupsearch.com/green-giants-podcast/
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