The energy sector is undergoing a significant shift from globalization to localization, particularly in the areas of renewable energy, energy storage, electric vehicle charging and grid infrastructure. While technologies can be developed globally, their successful implementation increasingly depends on understanding local market conditions, regulatory frameworks and customer needs. The energy sector is not completely abandoning globalization; global finance, knowledge sharing and technology transfer remain crucial. In this context, diversity, regardless of gender, culture and professional background, is not just a social objective, but a practical necessity. Diverse teams are better equipped to navigate complex local environments, anticipate challenges and deliver solutions that are both technically sound and commercially viable.
Challenging prejudices through execution and growing through international experience
Diversity is not just about representation. It’s also about improving the way companies identify risks, challenge assumptions and make decisions in complex projects. In the energy transition we need teams and an environment that can look at problems from more than one angle.
My own career has developed alongside the rapid growth of the solar energy market. I entered the solar sector in 2018, starting with project work in Türkiye at a time when the country’s installed solar capacity was around 5.1 GW. Since then, the market has grown significantly, reaching 25.5 GW by 2025. At the same time, India has experienced even faster growth, with cumulative installed solar PV capacity increasing from 27.5 GW in 2018 to 135.5 GW in 2025, according to IRENA Renewable Capacity Statistics 2026. Being part of this global expansion has shaped both my technical knowledge and my view on how different markets are developing.
In 2022, I got involved in Indian solar projects and moved to Germany, where I started working in an international and diverse organization at RCT Solutions GmbH. Since then, I have supported project management activities for solar projects in several markets including India, France, Canada, the US and Egypt. This transition allowed me to combine my operational experience from Türkiye with large-scale, complex solar energy projects in India. Working in different markets required not only technical knowledge, but also adaptability, cultural awareness and strong communication skills.
I actively pushed to be involved in these projects, even when there were assumptions that male colleagues might be better suited to challenging technical or customer-facing roles. I had to demonstrate that I could handle complex discussions, understand both technical and commercial aspects and build trust with international stakeholders. To me, challenging biases means consistently proving capabilities through execution.
My most important career milestone is the transition from an operational role in Turkey to international consultancy on solar energy projects in Germany. It wasn’t just a job change; it was a big personal and professional step. I started working with customers, suppliers and technical teams from different countries, and had to prove myself in a more complex environment. My strong background in solar energy projects from Turkey has helped me immensely, along with my willingness to learn more about renewable energy sources and solar energy.
Building fairer workplaces and stronger careers
These experiences have shaped how I see true support and inclusion in the industry. In line with my experience working in different markets and teams, I believe that a good mentor or ally should provide clear feedback, share practical experiences and help women navigate technical, commercial and leadership challenges. For me, the most important principle is fairness: judging people based on capabilities and execution, not assumptions. Women don’t just need protection; they need opportunities, trust and constructive guidance to grow. Real support means that women are given visibility and responsibility, not just encouraged.
Working at RCT Solutions has strengthened this perspective for me. I am part of a diverse and international team where different backgrounds, experiences and points of view are part of the daily collaboration. This environment has shown me how much stronger project results can be when people are encouraged to contribute openly and are held accountable. It also shows that inclusion is not just a concept, but something that must be consistently put into practice in daily work, communication and decision-making.
I also see flexibility and trust as essential in the workplace, especially in international and project-driven environments. Diverse talent survives when people feel respected and valued based on their contributions. Inclusion should be reflected in project assignments, bonus decisions and promotion opportunities. Companies must be transparent about career paths and provide equal access to technical and leadership roles. Diversity should not remain just in corporate statements; it must be visible in everyday decisions and actions.
My advice to any young woman entering the solar and renewable energy industry today would be: don’t take everything personally, even if the environment is a challenge. Based on my own experience, it is crucial to believe in yourself, your ideas and your ability to execute them. In this industry you don’t have to know everything from day one, but you do have to stay curious, ask questions and keep learning. Think carefully about where, when and with whom you share your ideas. The right people, timing and environment can ensure that an idea becomes reality. And if something doesn’t work as planned, don’t stop. Spin, learn and move on.
Interested in participating Tuğçe Gür and other female market leaders and experts at Women in Solar+ Europe? More information: www.wiseu.network
Tuğçe Gür is a Supply Chain Manager and Project Manager based in Konstanz, Germany, with more than 8 years of experience in solar energy production, supply chain strategy, production planning, plant start-up and international renewable energy consulting. She currently works at RCT Solutions GmbH, where she supports multi-GW solar manufacturing investments in global markets, including BOM development, supplier landscape assessments, cost structure analysis and technical due diligence. Before moving to Germany, she worked in the Turkish solar industry at Kalyon PV and Parla Solar, where she gained hands-on experience in integrated PV operations, SAP-based planning, materials management and production coordination. Tuğçe has a B.Sc. in Industrial Engineering from the University of Pamukkale and is an MBA candidate in Renewables from the Berliner Hochschule für Technik. She has also completed additional training in renewable energy financing, sustainability disclosure standards, quality management and operational excellence.
