This week, Women in Solar Europe (WiSEu) gives voice to Amila Colakhodzic, Senior Originator and Client Reporting at Austria-based Kommunalkredit. She says she continually prioritizes open communication and inclusivity while challenging biases. “Despite women being the largest untapped resource in renewable energy, the solar sector has improved significantly. Since switching from wind to solar energy in 2018, I have witnessed technological advancements and greater diversity, with women taking on technical, commercial, legal and leadership roles,” she says.
The sustainable energy sector must provide more diverse and rewarding employment opportunities for women. According to IRENAthe number of jobs in the energy sector will reach 139 million by 2030, of which 38.2 million in the sustainable energy sector and 74.2 million in other sectors related to the energy transition. Therefore, with the increasing emphasis on energy transition and decarbonization, in addition to tackling climate change, women can play an important role in the transition to a more sustainable energy future and contribute to the growth and success of the renewable energy sector.
Although barriers still exist, stakeholders are beginning to promote sustainable development and promote gender equality. Key measures include encouraging STEM education for girls, offering scholarships, supporting women in leadership, implementing mentorship programs and promoting an inclusive culture in the workplace. It is essential to ensure diversity in leadership and equal access to resources and opportunities, and implement policies that support equality and inclusivity to increase women’s participation in the sector. Progress has been slow because of historical inequities, resistance to change among some stakeholders, and organizational cultures that are difficult to change.
Corporate culture is critical to women’s professional advancement as they face significant challenges in establishing themselves. Many organizations, especially Nordic companies, have created inclusive environments that support women’s career development through recruitment, training, mentoring and promotion. This focus is essential for a successful energy transition. However, barriers remain, including unconscious bias, discrimination and limited access to mentorship and networking. I have faced these issues, especially in male-dominated environments.
Assertive women often face different perceptions in the workplace, and I have personally experienced the need to prove that my abilities are taken seriously. I have experience in various leadership roles in project and export finance within the infrastructure and energy sectors. I started at a large Austrian construction company and then moved to General Electric in the US, where I led the Women’s Network for the DACH region for four years. After that, I collaborated with a Chinese PV developer and a Norwegian battery startup and moved into the financial sector. These experiences have improved my adaptability, resilience, and cultural awareness in dealing with challenges while focusing on demonstrating my expertise and building networks with both male allies and female role models that have supported my growth. By continually developing my skills, I have built credibility and confidence. In my current role, I prioritize open communication and inclusivity while challenging biases.
The renewable energy sector is rapidly transforming, with clean energy jobs now outpacing those in fossil fuels, as reported by the International Energy Agency (IEA). The solar photovoltaic (PV) segment is the largest, employing approximately 4 million of the total 9 million employees. This shift requires innovative solutions and diverse talent. Renewable energy sources play a key role in the fight against climate change, powered by technologies such as hydrogen and carbon capture. The demand underlines the need for diverse workplaces.
Despite women being the largest untapped resource in renewable energy, the solar energy sector has improved significantly. Since switching from wind to solar energy in 2018, I have witnessed technological advances and greater diversity, with women taking on technical, commercial, legal and leadership roles. Women can benefit from various opportunities, for example education and training to help women acquire the necessary skills and knowledge, building a strong network within the industry to create opportunities for mentorship, collaboration and career development, and entrepreneurship where they can pursue their own career can start. consultancies, who are getting involved in advocacy work to make their voices heard and advocate for renewable energy policies.
Many financial institutions are also working to increase gender diversity and inclusivity. At Kommunalkredit, where I currently work with more than 400 employees, we embrace a diverse culture with employees from 27 nationalities and 45% of leadership roles are filled by women. The financial sector is critical in facilitating the energy transition by financing new technologies, and I am excited to be part of this transformation while inspiring young female talent to join the field.
For younger professionals considering the energy sector, I encourage them to go for it. Your presence is critical to inspiring future generations of women and promoting diversity. Embrace the evolving renewable energy landscape, where your fresh perspectives can drive positive change. Focus on continuous learning, build strong networks and stay resilient in the face of challenges. The most important thing is to stay passionate; your enthusiasm can have a significant impact on the transition to a clean energy future.
Amila works as a Senior Originator at Kommunalkredit in Vienna, a specialized bank that provides project financing for energy transition and infrastructure projects in Europe. Originally from Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, she lived in Tokyo, Japan during her youth before moving to Vienna, where she has lived for the past 30 years. She has more than 20 years of work experience in various leadership roles in structured, project and export finance in the infrastructure and energy sectors worldwide. Her multicultural background and her professional experiences in medium to large companies from Austria, the US, China and Scandinavia strengthened her ability to navigate diverse environments and communicate across cultures. Amila is also a sports (running, cycling, triathlons, crossfit, kite surfing and snowboarding) and nature lover.
Interested in participating Amila Colachodzic and other female leaders and industry experts at Women in Solar Europe? More information: www.wiseu.network
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