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Breaking stereotypes: Women in energy are transforming India’s clean energy and green tech space
According to the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report 2022, only one in five leadership roles in the energy sector are held by women.
The recently launched Green Hydrogen Mission and the Prime Minister’s commitment of reaching net zero emissions by 2070 are setting a clear road map also for decarbonization of the industrial and agricultural sectors. India is also utilizing the G20 Presidency for bringing together global cooperation for sustainable growth and has brought focus on a women-led inclusive development agenda.
Traditionally, the energy sector has been dominated by men, with women being underrepresented and facing numerous barriers to entry and growth.
According to the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report 2022, only one in five leadership roles in the energy sector are held by women. The energy sector remains one of the least gender-diverse sectors and closing this gender gap will be vital as women are key drivers of innovative and inclusive solutions.
Women’s participation in the energy sector is below that of the broader economy and varies widely across energy sub-sectors. A clean energy transition will require greater participation from a diverse talent pool for innovative solutions as well as business models. However, women in India are now breaking through the stereotypes and transforming this promising sector with a new wave of innovation.
In recent years, we have seen an increasing number of women making strides in the energy sector, inspiring and empowering others to pursue careers in the field. These women are challenging the status quo and demonstrating that gender should not be a barrier to success in any industry.
One of the earliest Indian women to break into the energy sector was Dr. Kamala Sohonie, who became the first Indian woman to earn a PhD in a scientific field in 1937. Her research in biochemistry was ground-breaking, and her achievements continue to inspire generations of women in science and energy.
Today, we have women like Dr. (Mrs.) N. Kalaiselvi, who has become the 1st woman Director General, of Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) & Secretary of Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR). Dr. (Mrs.) Kalaiselvi's research work of more than 25 years is primarily focused on electrochemical power systems and in particular, development of electrode materials, custom designed synthesis methods, optimization of reaction parameters and electrochemical evaluation of in-house prepared electrode materials for their suitability in energy storage device assembly.
Dr. Judy Jeevarajan, vice president and executive director of the Electrochemical Safety Research Institute (ESRI), part of UL Research Institutes, has been at the forefront of the development of safety standards and is inspiring many young professionals to prioritize quality and safety through ongoing training through IESA Academy.
We also have the e-mobility transition being led by women leaders such as Sulajja Firodia Motwani, Founder of Kinetic Green, Hemalatha Annamalai, Founder of Ampere Vehicles and Suman Mishra, CEO of Mahindra Last Mile Mobility. In the energy consulting field, we have leaders such as Netra Walawalkar, who is the co-founder of India Energy Storage Alliance and also VP, Operations, India for Customized Energy Solutions, a global energy consulting and services firm.
Renewable energy sector also has many exemplary examples including Ms. Gauri Singh, Deputy Director General, the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), Dr. Vibha Dhawan, Director General, The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), Ms. Mahua Acharya, former CEO, EESL Convergence, Mani Khurana of World Bank, Dr. Rashi Gupta, Founder of Vision Mechatronics and Dr. Mridula Bharadwaj of International Solar Alliance to name a few.
These women, along with many others, are examples of the progress that is being made toward a more diverse and inclusive energy sector in India. However, despite the significant contributions of women in the industry, there is still a huge gender gap that needs to be addressed.
To support women in the energy sector, the Indian government has also taken various initiatives, including the Women's Empowerment Scheme, which aims to provide skill development and training programs for women in the renewable energy sector. The government has also implemented various policies and incentives to encourage the participation of women in the energy industry, such as a subsidy for solar home systems installed by women.
These initiatives have had a positive impact on increasing the representation of women in the industry, but there is still a long way to go. The underrepresentation of women in the energy sector is not only a matter of gender equality but also a missed opportunity for the industry. The energy sector is undergoing a significant transformation towards a cleaner, more sustainable future, and women have a crucial role to play in driving this transition.
The future of the energy sector in India looks bright with women at the forefront of innovation and growth. As the country continues to transition to a cleaner and more sustainable energy future, women will play an essential role in shaping the industry's future. According to a report by the Council on Energy, Environment, and Water, if women's participation in the energy sector is increased to 30 per cent, it could create up to 3.2 million additional jobs by 2025.
Increased representation of women in the industry can bring diverse perspectives, innovative ideas, and a more inclusive approach to decision-making, which can lead to better outcomes for both the industry and society as a whole. The progress made by women in the energy sector in India is significant, but the need of the hour is to create a robust ecosystem that nurtures general equality and allows them to open new doors of success and change.