UPDATED 1 Sept: The EI library in London is temporarily closed to the public, as a precautionary measure in light of the ongoing COVID-19 situation. The Knowledge Service will still be answering email queries via email , or via live chats during working hours (09:15-17:00 GMT). Our e-library is always open for members here: eLibrary , for full-text access to over 200 e-books and millions of articles. Thank you for your patience.
New Energy World™
New Energy World™ embraces the whole energy industry as it connects and converges to address the decarbonisation challenge. It covers progress being made across the industry, from the dynamics under way to reduce emissions in oil and gas, through improvements to the efficiency of energy conversion and use, to cutting-edge initiatives in renewable and low-carbon technologies.
Female leadership: What it takes to crack the glass ceiling in the energy sector
12/2/2025
8 min read
Feature
As the global transition to clean energy accelerates, the need for diverse perspectives has never been more urgent. However, despite women constituting 39% of the global workforce, according to the International Energy Agency they account for only 16% of the traditional energy workforce. At management level, this figure is even lower. Addressing this disparity is essential not just for equity but for fostering innovation and resilience in the energy industry. Sara Siddeeq interviewed three accomplished women in the energy sector.
Here, Miya Paolucci, UK CEO at ENGIE; Susan Robson MBE, Interim CEO of the Women’s Engineering Society; and Rebecca Sedler, Managing Director for Interconnectors at National Grid, describe the challenges they faced, the progress they’ve witnessed and the work that remains to be done. Their stories underscore the importance of leadership, networks and actionable strategies in breaking down barriers and building a more inclusive sector.
Diverse pathways into energy
For many women, entering the energy sector is not always a result of deliberate planning but rather a series of pragmatic career decisions. Sedler’s story illustrates this well. She describes her entry into the energy industry as a practical choice, driven by the desire to join a graduate programme and pay off her student debt. Yet, she quickly was captivated by the complexity of the sector and the critical role it plays in powering economies and communities. The dynamic nature of the industry, coupled with the sense of purpose it provides, has been instrumental in shaping her long-term commitment to energy.
Similarly, Robson recounts her transition from management consulting to energy as a logical decision influenced by her need for a better work-life balance. While she initially approached the move with an open mind, she discovered unexpected opportunities and developed a deep appreciation for the sector’s alignment with social and environmental goals. ‘I was drawn to the chance to contribute to something tangible and impactful,’ she reflects, adding that this shift reinvigorated her career.