By. Catherine Lafaurie
As awareness about climate change and the need for cleaner energy sources continues to grow, more women are entering the renewable energy industry.
The hydrogen industry is one of the most promising in this transition, and women have a fundamental role to play in this field. Although it has traditionally been a male-dominated sector, women are occupying important roles in management and decision-making in renewable energy companies, leading research and development teams, heading sales and marketing departments, and holding positions on the board of directors.
The participation of women in the hydrogen industry is important for several reasons. Firstly, the inclusion of a gender perspective in decision-making can lead to more equitable and sustainable solutions. Additionally, gender diversity in the hydrogen industry can foster innovation and creativity by incorporating different viewpoints and experiences.
Despite the progress made in recent years, the gender gap in the hydrogen and renewable energy industry still persists. According to a report from the Global Hydrogen Council, women only make up 22% of the workforce in the sector. This situation must change if a just and sustainable energy transition is to be achieved.
To promote women’s inclusion in the environmentally friendly energy industry, concrete policies and measures must be implemented. Some of these measures could include promoting gender equality in education and technical training, eliminating barriers that limit women’s access to leadership positions, and encouraging women’s participation in decision-making bodies.
Women have much to offer in terms of innovation, leadership, and management in this crucial industry for the future of our planet.
At FCW, women play a crucial and important role in our success. Confidence and mutual support are fundamental values that cultivate creativity and allow us to grow. We value freedom of expression and foster a work environment in which all opinions are heard and respected.
As hydrogen continues to gain momentum in the energy transition process, it is necessary to highlight the various voices and the vast diversity within our community.
That is why we commemorate this day by celebrating 10 extraordinary women who are reshaping the industry and blazing a trail for all to follow. They are:
Vaitea Cowan
Enapter/Co-founder, Head of Communications
Is one of the three cofounders of Enapter. Sebastian, Jan, and Vaitea worked on the Phi Suea House in 2016, which became a lighthouse project for green hydrogen in Southeast Asia. In 2017, they cofounded Enapter and grew the team from 11 to 200 by 2021. Today, Vaitea heads Enapter’s communications and is based in the Berlin office. Vaitea is on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list for Energy 2020. Among other awards, she supported Enapter in winning the inaugural Earthshot Prize “Fix Our Climate” launched by Prince William and The Royal Foundation. Vaitea graduated with a Bachelor in Commerce from Concordia University, John Molson School of Business (Montreal). Her personal mission is to bring green hydrogen to the islands and to hire more women along the way.
Maryam Brown
SoCalGas/President
Is president of the nation’s largest gas distribution utility. As president, Brown develops and executes SoCalGas’ strategic vision with a focus on SoCalGas’ aspiration to achieve carbon neutral operations and delivery of energy by 2045. Brown started her career as an engineer in the petroleum refining sector and has 25 years of experience in the energy industry across engineering, legal, policy, and regulatory roles. Brown is chair of the American Gas Association Foundation, serves on the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Petroleum Council, and is on the Board and Executive Committee of the California Chamber of Commerce. At SoCalGas Brown is guiding the company through the domestic clean energy transition and helping California reach its climate goals while delivering energy that is reliable and affordable.
Janet Reiser
Hydrogen Technologies/President
Is an experienced policy maker, senior executive, program manager with over 35 years of experience in energy management, engineering, construction and telecommunications most recently running the governmental Alaska Energy Authority. She is experienced in all phases of enterprise development and operations as well as in executive and technical management. Janet is a Chemical Engineer by education. Janey has been honored and recognized as one the Top 50 Women in Hydrogen as well as being in the Top 10 in Hydrogen Technology and Innovation.
Mónica Gasca
Hidrogeno Colombia/Executive Director
Energy Economist expert, Master in Public Policy. She was a member at the Ministry of Mines and Energy, where she advocated for discussing green hydrogen in the Sustainable Mobility Roundtable to accelerate the transition process.
Amy Adams
Cummins/Vice President – Fuel Cell & Hydrogen Technologies
Is Vice President – Fuel Cell & Hydrogen Technologies at Cummins, a global power leader. She is at the forefront of advancing Cummins’ vision to bring a diverse portfolio of power solutions to customers, working across the value chain to build and grow the company’s fuel cell and hydrogen production technologies portfolio globally. As part of this, Amy oversees the company’s hydrogen investments and partnerships, including the recently acquired Hydrogenics business.
Maribel Rodriguez Olmo
Repsol/Hydrogen Business Development Manager
Versatile, results driven professional with 14 years of comprehensive experience in the hydrogen sector. Hydrogen Business development manager at Repsol. Is a hydrogen business development manager at Repsol, with over 14 years of experience in the sector. She has coordinated or participated in over 35 individual hydrogen innovation projects, and is part of the secretariat of several European and Spanish energy and innovation associations.
Kristina Bengtsson
Nel/Engineering Manager
Strong engineering professional skilled in Engineering, EPC, Project Engineering, Oil & Gas, and Mechanical Engineering. Earlier, has worked in many different businesses as a Mechanical Design Engineer, among them are TV and Radio broadcasting products, gas turbines, HAVC on marine vessels and recently as Lead Engineer on Control Systems for Subsea Oil and Gas. Kristina has a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from The University of Lund in Sweden.
Elise Ring
Origin Energy/Head of Export and Infrastructure Future Fuels
Has been leading the Future Fuels team at Origin to move forward an agenda with multiple hydrogen and ammonia projects under consideration. Under her guidance, the team is continuing to explore and strike partnership opportunities that will drive the sector forward, including the Origin/Orica MoU in the Hunter Valley region of Australia.
Lijs Groenendaal
Shell/Hydrogen Business Opportunity Manager Rotterdam
A delivery-focused, highly effective Energy Industry Leader and Integrator who has spanned Managerial, Operational and Technical roles. Strong business development and asset management skills developed in global business units. A specialist in establishing and organizing Shell businesses and Joint Ventures. A proven team leader of inter-disciplinary teams with pivotal skills in implementing post-deal agreements.
Jiajia Wu
Hyzon Motors/Chief Accounting Officer
Oversees Hyzon’s financial accounts, cost controls, and other financial reporting and auditing efforts. She works across functions on financial operations and analyzes how business decisions will impact the company’s goal of a decarbonized future. Most recently, served as global director, technical and cost accounting and financial reporting, for UL, LLC, a global safety company that provides testing, inspection, certification, and management services in more than 100 countries. Prior to that, served as senior manager with EY, a global firm that offers assurance, consulting, strategic advice, and tax services.
Read the most up to date Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Industry news at FuelCellsWorks
