The global transition to renewable energy offers an unprecedented opportunity to close gender gaps while transforming the energy sector. Women make up 32% of the global workforce in the renewable energy sector, with a rapidly growing labour force.
The International Renewable Energy Agency estimated that the number of jobs in the sector could to nearly 29 million in 2050. Increasing women’s engagement expands the talent pool for the renewable energy sector and ensures that women’s contributions (their skills and views) represent an integral part of the growing industry.
Therefore the business case for Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) is stronger than ever. Businesses that have championed a Diversity and Inclusion strategy have been able to demonstrate that it really does drive real progress. Furthermore, analysis has shown the more diverse companies are, the more likely will outperform less diverse companies.
The goals of Diversity and Inclusion are driven by the belief in ensuring equal opportunities, building an inclusive culture and contributing to the society in which the companies operate.
Women in wind energy
A report “Wind Energy: A Gender Perspective” produced by IRENA, illustrates that 21% of the global wind energy workforce are women including 8% of senior management roles. Around 21 per cent of the global wind energy workforce is women, falling below the 32 per cent share of women in the global renewables workforce and even the 22 per cent share of women in the conventional energy sector workforce.
Driving the impact for diversity and increased influence of women as agents of change within the sector, IRENA has been developing ground breaking reports over the years. Acknowledging the valuable contributions of the women in IRENA’s workforce, Director General Francesco La Camera, said in a message to staff, “At IRENA, we take pride in our commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace, where everyone feels valued and respected. We believe that diversity is a strength, and we are committed to promoting gender equality in the renewable energy community and beyond.”
In order to advance the role of women as agents of change in society and promote best practices within the wind industry, the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) partnered with the GWNET: Global Women’s Network for the Energy Transition) to launch the Women in Wind Global Leadership Program in 2019.
The purpose of the program is to accelerate the careers of women in the wind industry by facilitating empowerment and career development through training, mentorship, knowledge-sharing and fostering a global network of professionals in the industry.
GWEC Director of Women In Wind, Jeanette Gitobu said: “A transition has to involve a diverse range of voices at the centre of it. That is why the wind industry will continue to drive change in this area and ensure the energy transition is built by a dynamic workforce that truly unlocks the transformative potential of this sector.”
Women in renewable energy
This change is mirrored by the rising number of female role models in the sector. Female pioneers who are leading the way include; Claire Mack, CEO at Scottish Renewables, Lindsay McQuade, CEO of Scottish Power Renewables and Juliet Davenport, Chief Executive of Good Energy.
Anne- Catherine de Tourtier is is the Managing Director Anne-Catherine de Tourtier is Managing Director of the Nordex Region Mediterranean, since 2017. She has a long-standing experience in the wind industry: Joining Nordex in 2003, she held various senior management positions in Sales and Project Development. Anne-Catherine was part of the core team launching Nordex’s business activities in France and took over as Managing Director of Nordex France & Benelux in 2012 and she also took on the role of President of France Energie Eolienne, for 6 years.
There is also Mary Thorogood, Senior Specialist, Strategy and Business, GSR Business Development at MHI Vestas Offshore Wind, Aniela Foster-Turner, Principal Legal Counsel at Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy to name but a few.
Women in renewables – leadership opportunities
Seeing an increasing number of women lead from the front is a huge step in the right direction. A PwC report POWERful Women | Company board statistics 2020 showed that 38% of UK energy companies had no women on their boards and 79% had no women on their executive boards.
Career progression into senior positions can be a challenge because of a working environment not providing the support and practical assistance women require to advance. Areas such as;
- Pay inequality
- Lack of training and mentoring opportunities
- Unfavourable workplace policies
- Perceptions of gender roles and cultural-social norms form a major barrier to gender equality
- Lack of flexibility in work schedules
Women in renewable energy – creating change
There are a number of ways to help influence change such as:
- Encouraging women of any age to pursue STEM careers (science, technology, engineering and maths)
- Strengthening leadership accountability and capabilities for Diversion and Inclusion
- Zero tolerance of bullying and discrimination
- Developing focus on inclusive recruitment
- Actively promotion of women to senior leadership roles (this provides female role models)
- Create inspiring networking opportunities to empower women leaders in the sector
Creating an inclusive working environment is essential to attract and retain female talent. Providing training and mentoring schemes as well as creating networking opportunities company-wide and within the wider industry are all important considerations for a more inclusive, equal and supportive environment.
The key to rapid progression is for the industry to collaborate and shape inclusive policies and invest in HR practices that focus on attracting and retaining more women in the renewable energy sector. A greater participation of women would allow the rapidly growing sector to draw on untapped female talents, ensuring a more equal gender balance.
With employment in the renewable energy industry set to further increase, there are significant opportunities for a greater gender balance in the global renewable energy sector. The European Renewable Energy industry is driving diversity and career progression for women with many changes being brought to light.
If you would like us to advise on diversity and inclusion, contact our expert team who are here to help with your talent solutions requirements,
