Women are still very poorly underrepresented in the renewable energy sector. A recent study by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) shows that women only make up for 32% of full-time renewables jobs, indicating a very high number of untapped talents and perspectives that can contribute to a just and inclusive energy transition.

In addition to their untapped talents, women's vast entrepreneurial potential also represents an opportunity to advance energy access and sustainable economic development. While the potential of women as entrepreneurs is under-utilised in the renewables sector, solar photovoltaics (PV) offers a unique opportunity to empower women's entrepreneurship, especially in the context of decentralised renewable energy (DRE).

Since DRE brings electricity generation and distribution close to the final consumer, its deployment creates local jobs and business opportunities. In this context, greater use of off-grid products can strengthen women and girl's equitable economic participation in the energy workforce. Women can serve as sales agents, technicians and micro-entrepreneurs.

Solar entrepreneurship can allow women to become financially independent while boosting efforts to bring clean energy to all. Decentralised solar PV systems are transforming the entrepreneurial landscape, particularly in underserved and remote areas, with women emerging as leaders in accelerating the deployment, as showcased in the examples below:

Bangladesh

In Bangladesh--where three-wheelers or tuk-tuks are the common means of transport for citizens--a battery-as-a-service startup company provides affordable energy to electric three-wheelers through rentable battery network. Cassetex' swapping hubs provide the opportunity to exchange used batteries with new ones while empowering women-led micro-energy entrepreneurs in doing so.

Photo credit: Cassetex

Miss Jorna, a small grocery shop owner in Tangail, found herself becoming a micro energy entrepreneur since she obtained a battery swapping cabinet from Cassetex. As Cassetex franchisee, she saw a return of investment in over 8 months. The swapping cabinet is automatic so it is low cost and low maintenance. The electric three-wheeler drivers swap battery from the cabinet and she earns a steady, increased income from it.

The innovative and low-cost solution offered by Cassetex especially to women-led businesses has won them the IRENA Rising Stars Award 2025, which is part of the 3rd IRENA NewGen Renewable Energy Accelerator (NewGen) programme. As this year's Awardee, Cassetex will receive strategic mentorship and the opportunity to exhibit their solutions at GITEX North Star in Dubai this year.

Indonesia

In Indonesia, where many small islands are often not reached by public services including energy access, villagers rely on polluting kerosene or other expensive fuels, burdening their already low income. A non-governmental organisation (NGO) based in the country recognised this problem and saw an opportunity to offer solutions while empowering women in the villages' households.

Photo credit: Kopernik

The NGO's 'Wonder Women' programme trained women homemakers to become technology agents. These Wonder Women are provided with knowledge to better understand the different off-grid solar-powered solutions so they can sell these solutions to more women who need reliable energy access in their households.

They sell solar lanterns, solar home systems, among others, contributing to the improvement of their neighbours' lives. At the same time, they are gaining new business skills and boosting their income as they become micro-social-entrepreneurs.

As Maria Nogo, a participant from the Flores Island says, "By becoming a Wonder Woman, besides saving money, I also have opportunities to introduce these technologies to the people in my community, so I can support them to have a better life."

Iran

Photo credit: Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency Organization - Ministry of Energy

Two women carved their own pathway in contributing to the country's energy transition. Through the design and construction of large-scale solar power plants, Engineer Neda Khakpour and Dr. Nazila Zarabinia have created numerous job opportunities for youth.

Like many women who face gender-related barriers in the sector, in the beginning they faced numerous challenges. They encountered mistrust and discrimination due to their gender as clients did not believe they could build solar plants in the field.

Recognised as two of the most reliable professionals by the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Organisation of Iran, these two women share their expertise with youth interested in working in the renewables sector. Neda Khakpour now leads a small company specialised in solar panels installation, opening the door for more youth and women to participate in the renewables sector. Nazila Zarabinia, on the other hand, provides consultations in solar power plant construction and train human resources in the sector so more members of the community can be employed in renewable energy development projects.

Expanding access to mentorship and networking has been identified by IRENA as one of the measures to close the gender gap. But addressing gender inequality in the energy transition requires top-down and bottom-up strategies, as well as cross-cutting initiatives. Governments should enforce laws on non-discrimination, equal pay and access to education, while embedding gender equality into climate and energy policies. Without greater gender equality, the energy transition will not be fair or sustainable, with risks of labour shortages and a lack of diverse perspectives.