As a marker of this progress, a new generation of women are taking their place in leadership teams across the industry.
Clean Energy Council Policy Director for Offshore Wind Morgan Rossiter took part in the Women in Renewables Mentorship program, which helps women form connections and build lasting relationships across the energy sector to support their career progression.
Morgan was mentored by Chair of the Australian Energy Market Commission Anna Collyer. Following her mentorship, in September 2023 she was appointed to her current policy directorship.
Before joining the Clean Energy Council, she had spent over 10 years working in the oil and gas industry across Australia and Singapore, where she says she saw “a bigger change in train and was fortunate to have had supportive male mentors in that very male dominated environment.”
Morgan says it was the Women in Renewables mentor program, though, that helped her clarify her thinking on approaching a leadership position.
“The mentorship was the chance to have someone outside the organisation to help me focus and strategise on this next stage of my career and think about how I wanted to approach going for that promotion.
“Actually sitting down and thinking – what do I want to deliver in this job in the near term and the long term? And why? How will it deliver value to the Clean Energy Council and the industry? The mentorship gave me the space and agency to make clear for myself how best to approach this new role from the beginning.”
“When I think about the industry, and particularly coming into offshore wind, I see this strong contingent of enthusiastic and effective women who really do support each other and build connections.”
Our leaders of the future are equally important.
April Golder joined the Clean Energy Council as a Women in Renewables Intern in 2023. She has since worked across renewables best practice, decarbonisation, and energy policy while she completes her Master of Environment at the University of Melbourne. She was involved in running the 2023 Chloe Munro Scholarship and late last year joined Clean Energy Council delegates at the United Nations’ climate change conference.
“My entire life I have been passionate about protecting Australia’s unique ecosystems and incredible biodiversity. In the face of an urgently warming climate, renewable energy represents one of the most realistic and effective means of climate change mitigation,” she said.
“I love working at the Clean Energy Council and being surrounded by intelligent and passionate people who make progress everyday towards a clean energy future.
“And I feel so lucky to work in a workplace which promotes integrity, inclusivity, and values-driven work. Before I had even started at the Clean Energy Council, I already knew about their reputation as a champion for women in renewables, owing to the amazing work of Dr Anita Talberg, the Clean Energy Council’s Director of Workforce Development.”
The Clean Energy Council's Women in Renewables initiative enables and champions women working in the renewable energy industry. Through building a united community of people who share a collective mission and vision, we will support women to step up as empowered leaders within their organisations.
For more information on our Women in Renewables program, visit our Diversity in renewables page.
