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Working in clean energy

Diversity in renewables

The clean energy workforce in Australia is growing rapidly. Through empowering and boosting representation of our diverse Australian society, the whole industry will flourish.

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OUR GROWING SOCIETY

A workforce that reflects Australian people

To attract and retain a diverse workforce we need to ensure our workplaces are equitable, inclusive, and accessible.

The clean energy industry has historically been a male-dominated sector – there are many passionate women, First Nations people, migrant workers and other underrepresented groups already working in the industry, but there is still a large number of people whose talent is yet to be harnessed to accelerate the transition. 

Diversity doesn't just increase the size of the talent pool – diverse workplaces have been proven to be more innovative and productive.

MORE SEATS AT THE TABLE

Women in Renewables

Since 2015, our Women in Renewables initiative has empowered hundreds of women working in the renewable energy industry.

The core aims of the Women in Renewables initiative are to provide professional development opportunities for women at all stages of their career journey; to showcase the contribution of women in our industry; to support the development of connections and networks for women in the industry.

WOMEN IN RENEWABLES

Grow your career

Find out more about these Women in Renewables opportunities, whether you're just starting out in your career, thinking about transitioning into renewables, or ready to share your expertise with the next generation.
AICD Scholarship

AICD Scholarship

This scholarship is aimed at women in senior leadership in companies who are members of the Clean Energy Council.
Find out more
Career Launcher Student Ticket initiative

Career Launcher Student Ticket initiative

Member companies can sponsor a student to kickstart their career at one of our events.
Find out more
Chloe Munro Scholarship

Chloe Munro Scholarship

This scholarship honours Chloe’s legacy and supports the next wave of women leaders.
Find out more
Mentoring

Mentoring

A program empowering women to grow their careers through access to inspiring mentors.
Find out more
WOMEN IN RENEWABLES

Speakers guide

In support of our commitment to empowering women in the clean energy industry, we have compiled the industry's first speakers guide to promote more women on panels. Search the guide for speakers for your next event - or apply to become one yourself!
Find a speaker or apply
SUPPORTING DIVERSITY

Take the leaders pledge

Taking our pledge means committing to the following three statements:

I recognise that as a leader in my organisation, others look to me for direction, not only in terms of business needs, but also my behaviour, ethics, and standards.
I pledge to be an example for change, demonstrate inclusive behaviours and actions, and embed inclusive policies and procedures within the scope of my role.
I recognise that, to be successful, our industry requires a diversity of authoritative, influential voices.
As a sign of my commitment to actively encourage women’s voices, I hereby pledge that I will not participate in forums or panels that do not embrace gender diversity (view sample responses to single-gender panel invitations below).
View sample responses
I recognise that this is a change mission, and that an important way I can influence others to embrace the proven value and importance of gender diversity is to acknowledge the achievements of women in my network.
You will see me do this by acknowledging achievements in the workplace, my use of social media, nominating talented women in my network for recognition and awards programs or any other means at my disposal. Importantly, I am actively seeking opportunities to acknowledge and encourage women’s achievements and participation.

Take our Leaders
Pledge to demonstrate and actively commit to the importance of equity and equality in our industry.

WORKING ON COUNTRY

First Nations and the renewable energy workforce

First Nations voices and rights are central to Australia's clean energy transition.

The renewables industry is in a strong position to ensure the economic benefits of renewable energy projects are shared with First Nations communities, through long-term and sustainable employment opportunities.

Find out more
DATA DRIVING CHANGE

Diversity in Renewables report

This Clean Energy Council report outlines the findings from the first ever survey into diversity within the Australian renewable energy industry. Gathering this data helps us identify which areas of our industry need more support to diversify, and a follow-up survey will run in 2024. Better diversity data ensures more targeted and impactful action toward a truly inclusive and accessible industry.
Read the report
We… believe in building a workforce that reflects the diversity of the communities in which we operate.
Survey respondent 2021
We believe our [organisation’s] vision can be achieved through idea generation arising from diversity of thought, experiences, and backgrounds.
Survey respondent 2021
In 2021 we… set a target to recruit 50% of female apprentices, which we achieved and will continue to strive for in future recruitment campaigns.
Survey respondent 2021
[We] are currently in discussions with a number of Indigenous companies in regard to... recruitment initiatives and cultural awareness training.
Survey respondent 2021
LEADERSHIP

Diversity, equity and inclusion working group

The diversity, equity and inclusion working group was formed to improve diverse representation in the clean energy workforce.

Clean Energy Council members can participate in this working group.

Become a member to join
  • Key areas of focus


    -the representation of women

    -engagement of First Nations peoples

    -culturally and linguistically diverse employees

    -people living with a disability

    -LGBTQIA+ people

    -improving local employment

    -supporting employers to offer inclusive workplace culture and practices

  • Dr. Laura Jeffrey, Chair

    Laura has a career in renewables that spans more than 15 years and four continents, and she is currently a senior project developer at Squadron Energy. Laura graduated with a BSc (Hons) Geology from The University of Edinburgh, an MSc Environmental Technology, and a PhD Environmental Research from Imperial College London; and has completed the LSE MBA Essentials course and WLA Executive Ready Program. Laura strongly believes people are the biggest asset of any organisation and is a fierce advocate for a more diverse, equitable and inclusive workforce to advance the energy transition. 

  • Priscilla Kumar, Deputy Chair

    Priscilla specialises in recruiting for the power sector, covering roles essential to the energy transition – spanning power generation, energy storage, and high-voltage infrastructure. Working at the coalface of diverse hiring, Priscilla is committed to aligning values with both clients and candidates while fostering inclusive workplaces. Guided by her core principles of passion, collaboration and respect, Priscilla champions diversity, belonging and inclusion within the industry. Driven by a passion for the energy transition and a commitment to environmental stewardship, Priscilla believes that, together, we can shape inclusive practices across the board, ensuring that everyone feels they truly belong.

Dr. Laura Jeffrey, Chair

GROWING OUR INDUSTRY

Stories of diversity in renewables

Clean Energy is for Everyone
11 Sep 2023

Clean Energy is for Everyone

We spoke to Amanda White at RES Group about building diverse workforces.
Find out more
Meet the Women in Renewables: Satya Tanner
04 Sep 2023

Meet the Women in Renewables: Satya Tanner

“To encourage more women to enter the clean energy sector, we need to help women develop, but also make space for them to step into positions of influence.”
Find out more
Gender diversity in renewables: We need a systemic shift
29 Mar 2023

Gender diversity in renewables: We need a systemic shift

Read Dr Anita Talberg's address to the Women in Energy and Climate Symposium.
Find out more