Renewable energy sector needs more women

The absence of women professionals within the renewable energy sector could threaten the shift to clean energy, senior representatives revealed at the Women in Clean Energy (WICE) leadership meeting during Solar Middle East on 3 March 2016.

Mhairi Main Garcia, counsel at Ashurst and director at WICE said the success of future energy may rest on the industry’s ability to attract and retain top talent – with women being a critical component of that talent mix. “Future energy requires a broad talent pool – a diverse base – to help accelerate its development and ensure it remains a resilient and sustainable business. Women must be considered, and consider themselves, part of the solution.”

Clean Energy Business Council stated it will take 81 years for the world to close the economic gender gap and realise the growth benefits.

“Renewable energy does not have 81 years to realise its full potential – the industry’s time is now and we must address the challenges that could potentially compromise the success of the shift to cleaner and more sustainable sources of power generation, as a matter of priority,” said Sarah Fitzgerald, communications director for the Clean Energy Business Council.

Solar Middle East 2016 took place at the Dubai World Trade Centre from 1 to 3 March.