The solar and storage sectors are scaling so quickly that we simply cannot afford to waste talent. According to IRENA, women now hold around 40% of full-time jobs in solar PV, a higher share than in renewables overall and significantly above fossil fuels. In energy storage, the numbers are still lower, but growing steadily. At the same time, Europe is experiencing record growth in PV and battery energy storage systems. For me, that reality makes one thing very clear: if we want resilient and successful industries, we need teams built on diversity of thought, experience, and perspectives.
When people with different backgrounds and experiences sit around the same table, they challenge assumptions, identify blind spots, and design solutions that work not only on paper but also in the real world. That is what resilience looks like. Diverse teams are also better positioned to build trust with communities, regulators, and customers because they are closer to understanding real needs and concerns. In such a fast-moving industry, who can afford a team where everyone thinks the same way? Diversity, equity, and inclusion do not slow us down; they make us sharper.
Navigating systemic barriers
Looking back at my own career, most of the barriers I encountered were systemic rather than personal. I grew up professionally in environments where leadership was often associated with a very technical, tough, and mostly male style. Collaborative leadership approaches were sometimes perceived as “less senior,” while visibility and access to major projects were frequently shaped by informal networks.
