This week, Women in Solar Europe (WiSEu) gives voice to Valentina Scaglione, Asset Management Director at Econergy Group. She says companies must recognize and accommodate women’s specific needs, such as flexible working arrangements. “Before the COVID-19 pandemic, I was already working flexibly from home and in the office, which had a positive impact on my well-being,” she says.
There is a positive trend in increasing female representation in the renewable energy sector, especially in the solar energy sector. Companies are now actively looking for technical profiles, including women and non-technical profiles, such as legal, environmental and surveying experts. This broader representation is a promising sign of the growing presence of women in the industry. However, it is important to note that women are not yet equally represented in the value chain, such as in the construction phase. Despite this, there has been a noticeable increase in the overall presence of women.
Throughout my career I have been confronted with prejudices and discriminatory views about being a woman. Initially, it was surprising to some male colleagues to see a woman in roles traditionally seen as male-dominated. I was a bit confused at the beginning of my career, but these situations helped a lot to be myself as a woman with my cultural and professional background and the certainty that I could do well. Although there is now more attention to gender diversity in meetings, corporate environments and conferences, male profiles still dominate. It is crucial that the presence of women is valued, not only for its diversity, but also for their unique experience and professionalism, which enriches the sector.
A challenge for women in the sector is combining work and family. However, my experience is positive as I was hired by Econergy during my maternity leave. I am convinced that motherhood should not hinder a woman’s professional growth. Women can effectively manage both family responsibilities and career growth. Companies must recognize and accommodate women’s specific needs, such as flexible working arrangements. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, I was already working flexibly from home and in the office, which had a positive impact on my well-being.
Working in Asset Management requires interaction with colleagues, suppliers, consultants and entities from different backgrounds. In my experience, I have observed good representation of both men and women. This challenges the perception of asset management as purely women’s work. In reality, the field remains diverse and I have not noticed any specific gender dominance.
I believe that our freshly graduated colleagues and those who have just started their careers should be wholeheartedly encouraged to experiment and apply not only their academic knowledge, but also their soft skills, organizational skills, management skills, analytical skills and critical thinking. To any women who may be unsure about pursuing a career in renewables, especially solar, I urge them not to hesitate. There are plenty of opportunities and space for everyone, and they won’t be disappointed.
With fifteen years of experience in the PV sector, Valentina’s career started in 2009 as an environmental auditor and responsible for the EMS system. In 2010 she started working in the renewable energy sector and specifically in the EPC and OM sector, following various aspects of the construction and maintenance of PV installations. In 2014, she joined an asset management company, where she supervised and monitored the performance of solar installations throughout Italy. Since joining Econergy in 2019, her role as Director of Asset Management allowed her to lead the management of existing portfolios in Italy and subsequently became responsible for AM for all Econergy plants across Europe (some plants in Italy and Romania , and others to come). Great Britain and Poland soon). She holds a degree in environmental engineering from the Politecnico di Milano.
Interested in participating Valentina Scaglione and other female leaders and industry experts at Women in Solar Europe? Find out more: www.wiseu.network
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