This week, Women in Solar Europe (WiSEu) gives voice to Ying Zhang, founder of Sweden-based Fenec. She says women must accept their physical disadvantage while harnessing our power to choose roles and responsibilities. “For example, every solar project requires investment analysis and project coordination, where our analytical skills and communication skills can contribute significantly to the success of the project,” she said.
As I observe the solar energy sector, I see a growing trend of openness and inclusivity. I believe that women not only have an important role to play in this industry, but that their unique skills and perspectives are crucial to its success.
Solar energy, with its accessibility and lower investment costs, is a beacon of empowerment. Compared to other sources such as hydropower, nuclear energy and wind energy, ordinary households can invest in solar energy production at different scales. This is especially true in a few European countries, such as Sweden, that have robust incentive programs. As a result, many women and girls can access the technology from their homes and see how it benefits our daily lives, ultimately becoming familiar with it and creating less fear and more courage to explore it as a career path.
Thanks to the accessibility of solar energy, innovation and new ideas can be generated with fewer barriers. We increasingly dare to challenge current business models or requirements, and therefore we have greater chances of success.
While some aspects of installation work may seem less attractive to women, such as the demand for physical strength or working outdoors in cold climates, we can leverage our unique skills to excel in this industry. As women, we can accept our physical disadvantages while using our power to choose roles and responsibilities. For example, every solar energy project requires investment analysis and project coordination, where our analytical skills and communication skills can contribute significantly to the success of the project.
The role of the aggregator is to activate various resources, such as solar farms and batteries, to respond to grid demand with “front or back” metering services. Aggregators are involved in the bidding and trading process and coordinate many players in the market, such as transmission system operators, distribution system operators, electricity retailers, installers and resource owners.
In the Nordic region, aggregators are the new stars in the solar world as the frequency regulation market has blossomed and asset owners can gain financial benefits from aggregators to optimize their asset usage and shorten investment cycles. But like many new businesses, this requires the new players to educate the market and train the network to achieve customer adoption in a reliable manner. Because it involves investment and trading, risk and expectation management must be implemented while building customer relationships. Women naturally have high competence in managing risks and coordinating different aspects of a project, which can lead to lasting relationships in business and the workplace, making us invaluable in the solar energy sector.
The frequency regulation industry, although young, is a promising field among heavily regulated network infrastructure. It is a dynamic area that offers plenty of opportunities for growth and learning. In the event of a shortage of experts, there is sufficient room for everyone, regardless of age, gender or race, to develop expertise. A humble and eager-to-learn attitude is not only helpful, but essential. It can help newcomers quickly adapt and thrive in this exciting sector, fostering a culture of continuous learning and growth.
From transportation to ICT (information and communications technology), from fossil fuels to renewable energy, over the past twenty years I have participated in the transformation of a number of Fortune 500 companies, along with some uphill journeys. It was indeed a learning curve from my previous career. Equipped with the global insights of multinationals and the can-do mentality of start-ups, I founded my own company, FENEC, which focuses on 3 areas: virtual power plant consultancy, solar energy production and EV operation to upload. FENEC supports clients with investment analysis and M&A. Meanwhile, FENEC invests in the production and applications of renewable energy. In addition to being an entrepreneur, I am also a national jury member at artistic swimming competitions. For me, work and life should be balanced and harmonized. The happiest moments are watching my son and daughter train, play and study. I believe that successful mothers can contribute significantly to guiding new generations to think and act more responsibly towards nature and society.
Interested in participating Ying Zhang and other female leaders and industry experts at Women in Solar Europe? More information: www.wiseu.network
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