Co-founder and chief executive officer (CEO) at the Brazilian Photovoltaic Solar Energy Association (ABSOLAR - Associação Brasileira de Energia Solar Fotovoltaica), the national association representing companies and professionals from all segments of the solar PV value chain with operations in Brazil. Co-founder and member of the board of directors at the Global Solar Council (GSC), the global entity unifying and representing the solar power sector at the international level. Leading ABSOLAR′s team since its inception and foundation, Rodrigo Sauaia serves as the main representative and champion of the solar PV sector in Brazil, directly interfacing with high-level decision makers, government officials, politicians, legislators, regulators, financial institutions, the media, NGOs, companies, and the civil society. He is an active national and international event speaker, media spokesperson, and strategic advisor to ABSOLAR′s associate members, dedicating himself to promote the development of the solar PV sector and market in Brazil. His academic background includes a Ph.D. with honours in Engineering and Materials Technology from the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (Brazil), with an international collaboration with the Fraunhofer Institut für Solare Energiesysteme (Fraunhofer ISE, Germany), a M.Sc. with honours in Renewable Energy with PV Specialisation from the EUREC Master Program, with an international collaboration with the ETH Zürich (Switzerland), and a B.Sc. with honours in Chemistry from the University of São Paulo (Brazil). In 2015, he was elected by Recharge News Thought Leaders Club as one of the most influential professionals in the global scenario of renewable energy and key promoter of solar power in Brazil. Also in 2015, the Legislative Assembly of the State of Minas Gerais bestowed him with the Medal of the Order of Legislative Merit, in recognition of his valued contribution to the promotion and development of photovoltaic solar energy in the State of Minas Gerais and in Brazil. In 2017, the Government of the State of Goiás officially commended him with the Grand Officer Medal of the Order of Anhanguera Merit, in recognition of his valued contribution to the development of photovoltaic solar energy in the State of Goiás. Also in 2017, the Legislative Assembly of the State of Goiás bestowed him with the honorary citizenship of the State of Goiás, in recognition of his valued contribution to the development and establishment of the Solar Program of the State of Goiás, as well as for his outstanding contribution to the State 'Permanent Forum on Subjects Related to the Energy Sector'.
