This week, women in solar energy+ Europe give a voice to Jessica Klein, head of the regulatory EU and Germany on RWE renewable energy sources. She says that working in Solar not only becomes a member of an industry, but is also part of a global shift to a cleaner, smarter, more inclusive energy seeking. “Claim your space in that movement. And help point the way,” she says.
The infrastructure industries of solar, storage and schedule are central to a global transformation, one that is not only technically but deeply human. These sectors thrive on innovation, creativity and thinking at system level. But that can really bloom without diversity. Gender -divergentity in particular offers invaluable perspectives that increase decision -making and innovation. Inclusion ensures that no talent is overlooked, something that we cannot afford if we accept complex, urgent challenges such as climate change. A diverse and balanced workforce not only reflects the world that we serve; It prepares our systems more resilient, more flexible and ultimately more future.
In recent years I have seen the energy industry shift in meaningful ways. There is growing recognition that diversity is not only the right thing to do; It is a strategic necessity. At RWE we deliberately worked to step from consciousness to action. We have launched structured mentoring programs, introduced flexible leadership models, such as sharing jobs and atmosphere-first roles, and dedicated to ambitious goals, including achieving 30% female leadership in our core activities by 2030. Progress takes time, but the momentum is real. We are more thoughtful about follow -up planning, more intentionally in including hiring, and increasingly challenged the old “culture fit” mindset that often punishes different voices.
For me, breaking barriers in this area needs self -reflection and the courage to confront unconscious prejudices, mine and those embedded in our systems. One of the most powerful lessons I have learned is that leadership is not the loudest voice; It is about creating space for others to shine. Especially those whose potential has not yet been fully recognized. That is why I embraced serving leadership early, with confidence, cooperation and clarity in the core. These values helped me to build empowered, high-impact teams that stimulate real, lasting change.
Mentoring has been one of the most determining aspects of my journey. I was lucky to have mentors who believed in me, even before I fully believed in myself. Their guidance gave me the courage to take daring steps and grow into new challenges. Today I see mentoring not only as a responsibility, but as a privilege. I guide women in technical and early career professionals, and nothing is worth more than seeing someone confidently stepping into his potential. It is not just something that I do, it is central to how I lead. And just as often I notice that I learn from those I mentor. Their perspectives challenge me to evolve open, curious and constantly. We cannot talk about gender equality without recognizing the structural challenges that still persist. Technical and technical functions bear an inheritance of being dominated by men, and this inheritance appears in the adoption of patterns, meeting dynamics and informal networks. But I have also seen what happens when sex -balanced teams come together: they break group thinking, work together more effectively and deliver better results. It is not only about getting women into the room, it is about ensuring that their voices form the conversation.
For young women who enter the room for renewable energy: start investing in your technical skills; They are your basis. Find mentors and sponsors that challenge you and believe in your growth. Be deliberately with your network; Platforms such as Wisu and Industrial Events can open doors. Know your value. Negotiate with confidence. Speak. Bias will appear, but it will not define you. Your voice, your ideas and your leadership are crucial for the future we are building.
You are not only a member of an industry, you become part of a global shift to a cleaner, smarter, more inclusive energy -coming surplus. Claim your space in that movement. And help to show the way.
Jessica is an engineer and renewable energy sources visionary with more than 15 years of experience in project development, strategy and regulatory matters. She currently leads a regulatory team at RWE Renewables, where she is policy frameworks that accelerate the energy transition. Jessica has played a key role in the development of large -scale renewable projects throughout Europe, where technical expertise is combined with a system -thinking approach for process optimization. She has different mandates in industrial associations, where she argues for market design that supports overall energy security and innovation. Jessica is dedicated to including leadership and is both a mentor and a mentee, who defends diversity, guides women in technology and build empowered teams that stimulate meaningful change in the energy sector.
Interested in becoming a member Jessica Klein And other leaders and experts in industry at women in Solar+ Europe? More information: www.wiseu.network
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