Women in Renewables conference returns on Tuesday 15 September in Belfast.  As we count down the weeks to the all-female event, we hear from some of the inspiring women taking part this year.

In this post Catherine Burns, Managing Senior Associate at Pinsent Masons, looks at the vital role of women in the middle to growing renewable representation.

Last year, I had the pleasure of opening the RenewableNI Women in Renewables Women in the Middle event, an evening dedicated to discussing the opportunities, challenges and realities of navigating the middle stages of a career in the renewable energy sector.

As a Managing Senior Associate and construction specialist in the Energy team at Pinsent Masons, I specialise in the construction and operation of renewable energy projects across Ireland, the UK and Europe. Having spent close to a decade building my career in London before returning home to Northern Ireland a few years ago, I have experienced first-hand the opportunities and challenges that come with establishing yourself, changing direction and taking the next step in your professional journey.

That experience feels particularly relevant to the theme of being “in the middle” of your career. It is a phase that often sits between proving yourself and stepping into leadership. It can be one of the most rewarding stages of a career, but also one of the most demanding.

The advantages of a smaller market

Returning to Northern Ireland highlighted for me just how unique our renewables sector is. One of the greatest advantages of working in a smaller market is the strength of its networks. The connections are genuine, people know one another, and it is often possible to develop meaningful professional relationships far more quickly than in larger markets.

The renewable energy community here is supportive, collaborative and passionate about the role our sector can play in Northern Ireland’s future. That sense of community is one of our greatest strengths.

At the same time, smaller markets can present their own challenges. Established networks and long-standing relationships can sometimes feel difficult to access, particularly for those seeking to take the next step in their careers. Senior figures often have significant visibility and influence, and when reputations are well established, it can be harder for emerging leaders to carve out their own space.

For many professionals, and particularly women at the mid-career stage, that can make progression feel more challenging than it should be.

Why the middle matters

The renewable energy sector is experiencing significant growth and transformation. Projects are becoming larger and more complex, policy frameworks continue to evolve, and sustainability, diversity and inclusion are increasingly recognised as central to industry success rather than optional extras.

At the same time, our sector faces a well-documented skills challenge. Meeting future demand will require attracting and retaining talent from a diverse range of backgrounds. That means creating an industry where women can see not just entry-level opportunities, but long-term career pathways.

We also need to encourage more women to join the sector from adjacent industries. Career changes often happen during those mid-career years, and renewable energy offers opportunities for experienced professionals to bring valuable expertise and fresh perspectives into our industry.

This is one reason why conversations about women in the middle are so important. If we want more women in senior leadership positions tomorrow, we need to support and invest in women who are navigating the complexities of the middle of their careers today.

Women in Renewables more than a networking event

The Women in the Middle event was designed to be more than a traditional networking session.

Rather than focusing on formal presentations, the evening created space for honest conversations about the realities of career progression. It provided an opportunity to step away from the pressures of projects, deadlines, family commitments, emails and targets and reflect on what this stage of a career really looks like.

The phrase “women in the middle” resonates because it captures experiences that many professionals share:

Perhaps most importantly, it is recognising the influence that women in the middle already have.

Women at this stage of their careers are often the people shaping workplace culture, developing future talent, championing new ideas and bringing valuable perspectives into decision-making conversations. They may not always be the most senior people in the room, but their impact is often significant.

The importance of connection, sponsorship and visibility

Career progression is rarely a straightforward path. Behind every success story is usually a combination of hard work, resilience and the support of others. Whether through mentorship, sponsorship, encouragement or simply opening a door at the right moment, many of us can identify people who played a critical role in helping us move forward.

As the renewable energy sector continues to grow, there is a significant opportunity for more women to take on leadership positions, contribute to strategic decision-making and help shape the future direction of the industry.

However, that progress does not happen by accident.

It happens when people build connections. It happens when senior leaders sponsor emerging talent. It happens when individuals are visible, advocate for themselves and support others to do the same.

Looking ahead

The objective is not simply to help individuals reach the next stage of their careers. It is to create a supportive environment where women can learn from one another, build lasting connections and contribute to shaping a more inclusive and sustainable renewable energy sector. That’s why networks like the “Women in Renewables” and the annual Women in Renewables conference are so important.

As our industry continues to evolve, the voices and experiences of women in the middle will play a vital role in defining its future. By supporting one another, sharing our experiences and creating opportunities for those around us, we can help ensure that the next generation of women entering the sector sees a clear path forward and every reason to follow it.