João Costeira

João Costeira is an Engineering Manager at Vestas R&D, specializing in the development of protective systems and cold climate solutions for wind turbine blades. Currently leading the Protective Systems Sub-Module, he oversees a multidisciplinary international team of engineers focused on the design and implementation of Lightning Protection Systems (LPS) and advanced thermal solutions. His technical oversight ensures that blade components meet rigorous quality and reliability standards from initial concept through to global deployment. With over seven years of experience within the Vestas R&D ecosystem, he has directed complex New Product Introduction (NPI) projects, including the management of blade development for the EnVentus and 4 MW platforms. His expertise encompasses the full project lifecycle, from feasibility studies and strategic partnership governance to factory ramp-up and manufacturing readiness. He has successfully facilitated technical collaborations with external suppliers and managed cross-functional workstreams involving design, sourcing, and maintenance. Beyond his corporate role at Vestas, he is an active member of the Future Energy Leaders Portugal (FELPT) program, contributing to national energy policy discourse and the acceleration of the energy transition. His background includes academic research in environmental technologies and early-career experience in hybrid solar-thermal systems and renewable energy entrepreneurship.