As the world moves towards a more sustainable future, the renewable energy sector plays a critical role in shaping a cleaner, greener world. However, despite the rapid growth of this vital industry, women remain significantly underrepresented in renewable energy fields.

According to the World Energy Transitions Outlook 2022 report, to meet global Net Zero targets by 2030, the renewable energy sector will need to fill 38.2 million jobs. Unfortunately, a large proportion of these jobs are at risk of remaining unfilled, as women only make up about a third of the workforce in renewable energy industries globally. This gender gap is one of the most pressing challenges facing the transition to a sustainable energy future.

 

The Green Skills Gender Gap: A Global Challenge

The phenomenon of the 'green skills gender gap' highlights the persistent underrepresentation of women in renewable energy and other STEM-related sectors. Research by the International Renewable Energy Agency shows that women occupy only 26% of the energy sector workforce, with even smaller representations in industries like construction (2%) and manufacturing (27%).

These numbers point to a significant barrier to achieving the green transition, as a lack of diversity not only limits the talent pool but also the innovation needed to meet the complex demands of renewable energy. If women remain underrepresented, we are facing a huge skills shortage that could potentially slow down the world’s progress toward its clean energy goals.

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Why Are Women Underrepresented?

There are several reasons behind the low number of women in renewable energy. One significant factor is the traditional male-dominated nature of many of the fields within the sector. Within renewable energy construction, women often face specific challenges that make the field less accessible.

Recent studies reveal that women in the sector have reported issues such as a lack of suitable uniforms and personal protective equipment. These invisible barriers contribute to an environment that may unintentionally discourage women from entering or staying in the industry.

 

Closing the Gender Gap: What Can Be Done?

The good news is that there are clear and practical steps we can take to address the gender imbalance in renewable energy. One of the most promising solutions is apprenticeship programs. Apprenticeships provide structured on-the-job training, allowing women to gain hands-on experience, providing them with the necessary skills and support to thrive.

Another crucial step is to ensure that women are adequately supported in the workplace. This includes providing proper equipment, ensuring safe working conditions, and offering mentorship opportunities.

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The Way Forward

Women have the potential to be powerful agents of change in the renewable energy sector. By addressing the barriers that prevent women from entering and advancing in this field, we can unlock the full potential of the workforce needed to meet our global energy transition goals. With the right policies, support systems, and cultural changes, women can play a key role in the success of the renewable energy revolution.

Ultimately, closing the gender gap in renewables has become a matter of necessity for the future of the industry. As we work toward a sustainable world, ensuring that women have equal opportunities to contribute to the renewable energy sector is essential for building a robust and effective workforce.

At ERSG, we have made strides towards creating a more equal and diverse workplace in the Renewable Energy sector. We believe connection and community matters, so one small way we have achieved this is through our LinkedIn community ‘Women in Wind. This is a space for women in the renewables industry to connect, sharing job opportunities as well as experiences, giving them essential tools to move through the industry.

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Join our Women in Wind group