The Role and Contribution of Women in the Energy Sector

Women in Energy, 4th edition, organized by Future Energy Leaders (FEL) Romania, the youth platform of Romanian National Committee of the World Energy Council (CNR-CME) was held on November 28th, 2024, at One Tower, Scenario.

The event explored the themes of leadership, professional development and mentoring, bringing together industry experts, representatives of large companies, public authorities, academia and young professionals. The conference highlighted the contribution of women to a more equitable and inclusive energy transition. The participants discussed concrete ways in which women’s involvement in the energy sector can be strengthened, underlining the importance of diversity in shaping the future of this strategic industry. At the same time, the event aimed to inspire the next generation of professionals, demonstrating the value of mentorship in the career development of women in the field.

The event was kicked off by Rares Hurghis, General Director of FEL Romania, and Teodora Mindra, Programs and Events Manager, while the opening remarks were delivered by Mr. Stefan Gheorghe, Executive General Director of CNR-CME, and Mrs. Ella Ratcu, CNR-CME advisor and founder of FEL Romania.

The first panel called “Leadership”, moderated by Olivian Savin, Marketing and Communication Manager, emphasized the vision of women leaders in the energy sector, both from the private sector as well as from the public administration. The topics discussed included specific challenges for women in the energy sector leadership, skills, and advice for those aspiring to decision-making roles in the energy industry. Among the key skills mentioned were adaptability, proactivity, courage, teamwork, passion, and emotional intelligence. The panel featured the following speakers:

• Anamaria Acristini, Managing Director, BayWa r.e. Romania
• Ana Nedea, Director of Strategy and Business Development, Simtel
• Ramona Moldovan, Deputy Secretary General, Ministry of Energy
• Elena Popescu, CEO, Elektra Renewable Support
• Magda Capisizu, Head of Customer Department, Distrigaz Sud Retele
• Livioara Sujdea, Chief Distribution Officer, Electrica SA.

As part of the second panel, titled “Career Development” which was moderated by Raluca Gabor, Regulatory and Public Affairs Manager at FEL Romania, the panellists emphasized the importance of continuous learning, determination, teamwork, courage, ethics, adaptability, passion, balance and self-confidence in building a successful career. The speakers who contributed to this discussion were:

• Oana Özmen, Member of Parliament and Secretary of the Industry and Services Committee
• Diana Robescu, Dean, Faculty of Energy, UNSTPB
• Mirela Dima, Director of Regulation, EVRYO
• Gabriela Moroianu, CEO and Editor-in-Chief, Focus Energetic
• Maria-Luminita Badi, Wind Resource Specialist, PPC Renewables Romania.

The third Panel, titled “Mentorship” was moderated by Daniela Goreacii, a FEL member, and was dedicated to the Women for Women mentorship program organized by FEL Romania. The discussions highlighted valuable insights from inspirational leaders and FEL Romania members, who shared their experiences within the mentorship program and their expectations from such interactions. Topics included the importance of mentorship relationships, the manner in which they are built and their long-term impact. The speakers emphasized mentorship’s role in developing essential skills such as self-confidence, risk-taking, and successfully navigating the dynamics of the energy sector. Participants in this panel included:

• Corina Popescu, Vice President, SPER
• Maria Manicuta, Director of Electricity and Gas Tariffs, ANRE
• Silvia Vlasceanu, Executive Director, HENRO
• Raluca Andronoiu, Brand Media Strategist, ENGIE Romania, FEL Romania Member
• Iuliana Iliescu, Business Developer – M&A, PPC, FEL Romania Member
• Andreea Paraschiv, RES Project Manager, BayWa r.e., FEL Romania Member.

“By organizing the Women in Energy event, we aimed to emphasize the importance of diversity and female leadership in the energy sector, to discuss the challenges faced by women in this field, and to showcase the opportunities that mentorship can offer. We believe that the active involvement of women in the industry and the promotion of successful role models contribute to creating a fair and inclusive energy system. The future of this sector depends on a sustainable vision rooted in innovation and collaboration, while women leaders play a crucial role in shaping this direction,” emphasized the Future Energy Leaders Romania team.

 

About Future Energy Leaders

FEL Romania aims to serve as a platform for communication and collaboration between the new generation and the current elite in the energy sector—a collaboration they consider vital for the proper development of the energy sector and the manner in which it interacts with other fields. FEL Romania strives to accelerate the transition to a clean energy-based economy and to reduce the negative impact of energy on the environment.