The Renewable Energy Sector and the Role of Women
The renewable energy sector is experiencing rapid global growth and is creating new professional opportunities across a wide range of fields: engineering, project development, finance, data, and digital transformation.
According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)¹, women currently represent about 32% of the workforce in renewable energy worldwide — a higher share than in traditional energy sectors, but still indicating that progress is needed to achieve balanced representation.
In this context, attracting and promoting female talent in energy transition roles is a key lever to accelerate innovation, strengthen teams, and support the sector’s transformation.
¹ Source: International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), Renewable Energy and Gender Equality, 2022.
Amélie Baconnier:
From finance to digital transformation
Who I am and my background in brief
I wasn’t destined for science… yet here I am, at the heart of technology and renewable energy. The common thread? Curiosity and a love of learning.
With an MSc in Management from the École de Management de Lyon, I began my career in audit at PwC before moving into financial controlling and IT projects. In 2018, I joined Boralex as a business analyst and gradually grew into the role of Product Owner, fueled by Agility (PSPO I certification) and major digital transformation projects:
- integrating the UK into SAP,
- rolling out Concur in North America,
- and digitizing processes in France with Esker.
My hybrid profile — finance, communication, and a passion for tech — is now an asset for bridging business needs with the digital solutions that drive Boralex’s growth.
What I love about Boralex
Every day is different at Boralex: I’m constantly learning, discovering new tools, collaborating with experts across renewable energy, and tackling exciting challenges. There’s never a dull moment — and that’s what keeps me motivated.
What advice would you give to a young woman who is hesitant to join the renewable energy sector?
- Be curious: Renewables and IT aren’t defined by a single profile. These are rich, diverse fields where you can find a role that fits you.
- Don’t put limits on yourself: These fast-growing sectors — now turbocharged by AI — are hungry for talent. Even without a “typical” background, you can build a strong career.
- Trust yourself: You don’t need to master everything from day one. Your soft skills and your ability to learn are already powerful assets.
Carolyn Boyd:
Finding purpose in energy projects
Can you introduce yourself and tell us about your background?
I started my business studies without a specific plan in mind. On the advice of my father, who is a CPA, I eventually chose accounting to keep as many doors open as possible. After graduating, I joined a rotational program at Siemens, which allowed me to explore various financial roles. A rotation in the wind energy sector was a turning point for me: I felt like I was contributing to something bigger than myself.
I realized that I wanted to work in renewable energy within a project-oriented environment. I was also fortunate, early on, to be surrounded by female leaders, which bolstered my confidence and my desire to pursue this path. Today at Boralex, I apply this experience to meaningful work that helps build more efficient systems.
What do you enjoy most about your daily work at Boralex?
Above all, I love the people I work with. The collaboration and the human quality of the teams create a stimulating and motivating environment. Being physically in the Montreal office also strengthens that sense of connection.
I also value the culture of contribution: everyone brings something to the table, and my work directly supports the organization's performance. This alignment between my values, my role, and the company's direction is a great source of satisfaction.
What advice would you give to a young woman considering a career in energy?
Learn to articulate what makes you unique, speak up for yourself, and surround yourself with people who listen, respect you and give you space to grow. Don’t wait for others to define your worth.
Finally, choose an environment that recognizes your value, where you are heard, and where you have the space to contribute.You belong here just as much as anyone else, and the renewable sector needs a diversity of voices to keep advancing.
Mariana Ardila Leon:
A vocation for wind energy
Who I am and my background in brief
I’m originally from Colombia and chose to settle in Scotland… for the weather. Not for the cold, of course — but for the wind. After three years developing solar projects and diving into renewable energy, I discovered a true passion for this field. Wind energy, in particular, became the challenge I wanted to take on as an engineer.
This ambition led me to the University of Edinburgh, where I completed a master’s in Sustainable Energy Systems. It was there, exploring different technologies, that I realized my place was in wind farm development.
What I love about Boralex
What I love most about my day-to-day at Boralex is seeing a professional dream come to life: working every day at the heart of real wind projects.
I thrive on learning through tackling real-world challenges because that’s when you truly understand the technology and the renewable energy industry.
I’m also fortunate to be surrounded by brilliant, supportive, and passionate people. Their expertise inspires me every day — both in project development and in growing as a professional.
What advice would you give to a young woman who is hesitant to join the renewable energy sector?
First, don’t be afraid. Life leads us to places, projects, and teams we haven’t yet discovered. You have to take the leap: there is always a space for a woman’s voice, experience, and perspective in renewable energy.
Next, follow your passion. Choose work that propels you forward and makes you feel like you’re contributing to something bigger. Even when the path gets challenging, you’ll know you’re in the right place. The sector truly needs women who are bold and passionate.
Jasmine Sarrazin:
Finding your place in a transforming sector
Who I am and my background in brief
Today, I’m a mechanical engineer in hydroelectricity at Boralex, and I found my path in renewable energy by following my instinct and my desire to make a real impact. My beginnings were diverse — from building mechanics to supply chain — before a master’s in renewable energy led me to my true calling. From that point on, trusting myself and carving out a place that reflected who I am became much easier.
Early in my career, I was proud to be “the first woman” on a team. But it also came with impostor feelings: I didn’t allow myself to make mistakes. That sense gradually faded, and truly shifted when I had female colleagues. Having allies changes everything: it normalizes, it reassures, and it lifts the weight of representation. It’s proof that diverse paths enrich our sector and often contribute to project success.
I currently contribute to the rehabilitation of our Rimouski plant and co-lead our greenhouse gas reduction efforts in North America. My career path hasn’t been clearly defined or linear — and that’s exactly what helped me find my place.
What I love about Boralex
The combination of continuous learning and real autonomy. From day one, I’ve been surrounded by passionate, generous experts who trust me to lead projects while sharing their knowledge.
I also value the variety in my day-to-day and the meaningful alignment of my work: the perfect match between my responsibilities, Boralex’s values, and what matters to me :
- safety
- care
- environmental protection
It’s a rare alignment that fuels my sense of accomplishment every day.
What advice would you give to a young woman who is hesitant to join the renewable energy sector?
Being a renewable energy engineer is amazing, but you need to learn to distinguish the challenges that help you grow from those that pull you away from yourself.
Pushing your limits should never mean losing yourself, and a workplace should offer space to evolve — which I’ve found at Boralex. Over the years, I’ve faced stereotypes I didn’t fit… yet I thrive simply by being myself. My advice: be bold, stay true to who you are, and choose a team that respects and values you.
Key takeaways
- Women play an essential role in the energy transition, particularly in the development of renewable energy such as wind and solar power.
- Despite progress, renewable energy careers remain largely male-dominated, highlighting the importance of promoting diversity and supporting women in scientific and technical careers.
- At Boralex, many employees contribute every day to the development, operation and innovation of renewable energy projects.
- Encouraging women to pursue careers in the energy sector is a key lever to accelerate the energy transition and build a sector that better reflects society.
- On the occasion of International Women’s Day, the company reaffirms the importance of recognizing female talent and promoting careers in renewable energy.
Join the teams building the energy transition
The journeys of Amélie, Carolyn, Mariana and Jasmine illustrate the diversity of talents contributing every day to the development of renewable energy at Boralex.
- Would you like to grow in a sector that has a real impact on the energy transition? Discover career opportunities at Boralex and renewable energy professions.