Australia’s energy transition is often framed around infrastructure, investment and policy, but at its core, it’s about people. This International Women’s Day, we’re spotlighting one of the most important and often underrepresented forces shaping that future: women in energy.
The Energy Transition Is a Workforce Story
Australia is projected to require up to 200,000 additional energy roles by 2033 to meet net-zero commitments. Workforce growth on this scale isn’t optional – it’s essential.
But growth alone isn’t enough.
Ensuring women are fully represented in that expansion is now recognised as a critical enabler of the transition’s success.
According to our most recent Vinova Market Report:
- Women make up less than 39% of the clean energy workforce
- In electricity and gas, representation is closer to 30%
- Participation is higher in support and non-technical roles
- Representation drops significantly across engineering, site-based and leadership positions
If we are serious about building a resilient, future-ready energy system, representation cannot be a side conversation, it must be part of the strategy.
Amplifying Female Voices in Energy
At Vinova, we see first-hand the impact women are making across renewables – from engineers and project leaders to executives shaping national strategy.
Through our podcast, Energy in the Room, we’ve had the privilege of hearing directly from many of these leaders.
Their stories reinforce something powerful:
The energy transition isn’t just technical. It’s human.
And diverse leadership is critical to getting it right.
Representation matters not just for optics but for performance, progress and long-term industry resilience.
Leadership Starts at the Top
As part of the wider Precision Sourcing Group, Vinova was founded within an organisation led by a female founder, Jill Ryder.
Jill built Precision Sourcing on the belief that strong businesses are built by strong people and that inclusive leadership isn’t optional, it’s foundational.
That ethos continues across our sister brands, including Vinova Australia.
We believe in:
- Creating space for women’s voices
- Championing female leadership across technical industries
- Supporting businesses to build more balanced, forward-thinking teams
- Ensuring the energy workforce of tomorrow reflects the society it serves
Looking Forward
With continued support for industry initiatives and stronger representation at events, we are seeing positive movement.
But the scale of workforce growth required over the next decade means this conversation cannot slow down. If up to 200,000 new roles are required, the opportunity is clear: We can build the future workforce differently.
More inclusive.
More representative.
More innovative.
This International Women’s Day, we celebrate the women already shaping Australia’s renewable energy future and we reaffirm our commitment to helping create space for many more to lead.
Because the energy transition will be stronger when everyone has a voice in the room.
