ABU DHABI, 7 October 2025 – Women continue to make up just 32 per cent of the global renewable energy workforce, a share that has remained unchanged since 2019, according to a new report by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).
The report, Renewable Energy: A Gender Perspective (Second Edition), found that while women’s participation in renewables is higher than in oil, gas, or nuclear sectors, no meaningful progress has been made in increasing their representation across the industry.
“The sector still has a lot of work to do,” said IRENA Director-General Francesco La Camera. “To realise the energy transition’s full potential, women must be recognised as equal partners and leaders in shaping the renewables-based future.”
Women hold 32 per cent of full-time jobs in the renewables sector, compared to 23 per cent in oil and gas and 25 per cent in nuclear energy, according to IRENA’s global survey covering 119 countries. However, their presence drops sharply in leadership and technical positions — only 19 per cent of senior roles and 28 per cent of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) positions are held by women.
By contrast, women make up 45 per cent of administrative roles and 36 per cent of non-STEM technical positions. The report highlights the persistent “glass ceiling” that prevents women from advancing into higher-level management and decision-making roles.
The gap is widest in the private sector, where women comprise only 25 per cent of the workforce, compared with 48 per cent in non-governmental organisations and 37 per cent in government institutions.
La Camera said advancing gender equality in the renewable energy sector depends on “robust data, targeted policy interventions and active collaboration among all stakeholders.”
The study also identifies deep-rooted barriers — from workplace discrimination and unequal pay to social stereotypes and limited access to training — that continue to limit women’s participation and advancement in the field.
“Without greater gender equality, the energy transition will not be fair or sustainable,” IRENA warned. “The clean energy economy must be built not just on renewable technologies, but also on inclusive institutions.”
The report calls on governments and employers to take coordinated action, including enforcing equal pay and non-discrimination laws, offering flexible work arrangements, and improving mentorship and career development programmes for women.
