Jean Paul Prates is the Director of CERNE (Centro de Estrategias em Recursos Naturais e Energia - or Centre of Strategic Studies in Natural Resources and Energy), based in Natal, Rio Grande do Norte. CERNE is a think-tank focused on strategy for the deployment of renewable energy in Rio Grande do Norte and the North East of Brazil.

He was formerly Secretary of State for Energy for the government of the State of Rio Grande do Norte, during which time he created the conditions for the investment of over R$9bn in wind projects in the State, transforming it into a leading wind energy player and a 'national champion' in the federal auctions for renewable energy in 2009 and 2010. He drew up he first blueprint for a coastal transmission line to connect wind farms to the national grid. He is the creater of 'Forum Nacional Eólico - Carta dos Ventos'.

Amongst various roles he has previously acted as Special Advisor to the Rio Grande do Norte Governor for Energy & Infrastructure, as advisor to the board of ANP (the Brazilian National Petroleum Agency) and advisor on E&P regulation to the Federal Government of Brazil (Ministry of Mines & Energy).