Women and clean and renewable energy

According to an article published by the IEA (International Energy Agency), gender equality is gaining attention in academia and society in the energy sector.

However, there are still clear gender differences related to participation in clean energy technology research and development in academia and industry, as well as in the nature of the activities carried out.

Recently collected statistics indicate that women represented around 35% of the workforce in the renewable sector in 2016. This is higher than in the traditional energy sector (IRENA, International Renewable Energy Agency, 2016).

Women represent more than 50% of university courses in OECD (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development) countries. Little by little the gender gap in technical and research positions is decreasing.

Currently, it can be explained by the low representation of female students in subjects related to science, engineering and technology – women represent more than 50% of university courses in OECD (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development) countries, but only 30% in science and technology (OECD, 2008).

Other factors identified are: gender stereotypes, balance between work and family and insufficient career promotion and guidance programs (EIGE, 2012). More data needs to be collected to assess the links between gender diversity in science, research and the corporate sector, and the rate of progress for clean energy technologies.