Over 120 women from across the renewable energy sector gathered in Belfast for RenewableNI’s annual Women in Renewables conference, a flagship event focused on supporting more women to enter, progress and lead within the industry.
Delivered in partnership with SONI, and supported by Pinsent Masons, the sold out event brought together professionals from across UK and Ireland for a day of networking, mentoring, professional development and discussion.
Steph Dunlop, RenewableNI Chair; keynote Joanna Denton; Catherine Burns, Pinsent Masons and Emma Morris, SONI.
In the annual event poll, visibility was listed as one of the key challenges faced by women in renewables alongside imposter syndrome and career progression. The Women in Renewables agenda addressed the challenges via speaker insight and audience participation.
The conference featured a keynote address and innovative Powerhouse workshop from Joanna Denton, executive coach and author, who shared her insights on leadership, industry growth and gaining confidence from valuing your own accomplishments.
In a conference first, the Powerhouse workshop session was facilitated by Joanna through 12 roundtable discussions. The tables were chaired by women from across the industry who completed the Women in Renewables mentoring qualification. This provided delegates with the opportunity to engage directly with sector leaders, exchange ideas, discuss shared challenges and build valuable professional networks in a collaborative and supportive environment.
Dr Theresa Donaldson, Rachel Sankannawar, Catherine Burns and Steph Dunlop
A key feature of Women in Renewables is the all-female panel showcasing diverse roles in the sector. This year’s panel featured RenewableNI Chair Steph Dunlop, Catherine Burns, Pinsent Masons; Rachel Sankannawar, Department for the Economy and Dr Theresa Donaldson, Chair of Belfast Harbour Commissioners who shared personal experiences and practical advice on career progression, leadership and building a more inclusive renewable energy sector.
Judith Rance, Head of Communications and Events at RenewableNI and founder of Women in Renewables, said: “Women in Renewables was established to create opportunities for women to connect, learn from one another and build the confidence and networks needed to progress their careers.
“The energy transition will require a skilled and diverse workforce, and it is vital that women are represented at every level of our industry. We also know it is vital for younger women to see the diversity of roles and pathways into renewables, letting them know the opportunities available to them. We heard many times today ‘we need to see it to be it’.
“It was fantastic once again to be fully booked with a waiting list of women from across the renewable energy sector for a day of honest conversations, practical insights and meaningful connections. The enthusiasm and engagement in the keynote session, panel discussion and roundtable conversations demonstrated the strength of talent that exists across our sector and the appetite to support the next generation of women in renewables.”
Women in Renewables has grown steadily since its launch and is now recognised as one of the largest networking and professional development events for women working in renewable energy across the UK and Ireland. It has included the creation of a mentoring qualification and a series of free seminars each focused on a topic raised by women in the sector.
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For media inquiries please contact Judith Rance, Head of Communications and Events, RenewableNI, Judith.Rance@RenewableNI.com, 07875-681-794.
