This week, Women in Solar Europe (WiSEu) gives the voice to Jeanette Pretorius, SVP Supply Chain at Norway’s Scatec ASA. Shey says renewable energy companies must prioritize the need for more senior female leaders to promote greater equality. “Working for a company that is a leader in diversity and equality, I haven’t faced any major internal challenges. But in external meetings I am often the only woman at the table,” she says.
When I entered the industry in late 2015, I was fortunate that my first manager was a woman. Coming from the oil and gas sector, where female leaders were virtually non-existent, this was a refreshing change. It highlighted a critical issue in our sector: the need for more senior female leaders to drive greater equality.
Companies should prioritize this when determining their workforce strategies. My company, Scatec, has made this an area of focus, which is having a significant impact on women’s representation. At the end of 2023, 29% of Scatec’s management positions worldwide were held by women. In the same year, 30% of new hires and promotions in management were women. Notably, female representation in Operations & Maintenance (O&M) in Brazil reached 30%, and the first female factory manager was hired in South Africa.
When I joined the industry over a decade ago, I was excited to be part of the change. My female leader was a great mentor and cheerleader who provided me with invaluable support. She has broken many barriers and paved the way for others. In addition, I have had countless male sponsors and a strong network that has guided and encouraged me to develop further.
Because I work for a company that is a leader in diversity and equality, I haven’t faced any major internal challenges. However, in external meetings I am often the only woman at the table. My work spans the project development, construction and O&M phases, with the construction and O&M areas still predominantly male-dominated.
The construction industry often lacks female representation in construction site and project roles. However, initiatives such as the “Mulheres de Mendubim” project can change this perception and provide opportunities for women, especially in local communities. I am proud of my company’s project in Brazil, which provided two months of training to 120 women from rural Assu, allowing them to work on solar energy projects. The project, implemented by the Brazilian Technical Institute (ITEC Brasil), provided 220 hours of training in “Electrical Systems for Photovoltaic Installations”, giving local women the opportunity to become solar panel installers. In addition, another 120 women received online training in various skills, including social media and Power BI. This is a great example of how the industry can develop female talent and pave the way for future female leaders in male-dominated fields.
We need more senior women leaders who can serve as role models for juniors. My current employer has made this a key strategy and is working diligently on it. Building a diverse and inclusive culture is essential to achieving Scatec’s goals and maintaining a flexible work environment. Scatec integrates Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) into its practices, policies and development programs. Women should consider the policies of prospective employers when making decisions about new positions or career changes. I find that most renewable energy companies are actually very inclusive, collaborative and transparent, which is refreshing compared to other older, more established industries.
To all women in the sector and those who want to participate in the green transition: take every opportunity available and be yourself. Your unique skills and characteristics are your greatest assets. Together we can continue to break barriers and pave the way for future generations.
Jeanette Pretoriues has been working in the sector since 2015. She is Senior Vice President of Supply Chain Management for Scatec ASA, a leading global IPP. She grew up in South Africa and in 2020 she moved from the Scatec office in Cape Town to Norway to the head office in Oslo.
Interested in participating Jeanette Pretorius and other female leaders and industry experts at Women in Solar Europe? More information: www.wiseu.network
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