The EU is committed to strengthening equality and inclusion in all fields. As one way to achieve this in the energy sector, the Commission established an ‘Equality platform for the energy sector’ in 2021.
It offers a space for discussion on equality-related issues, allowing members to exchange experiences and highlight best practices.
Objective of the platform
The platform aims at strengthening the commitment to equality in all its dimensions, notably by promoting workplaces that are more diverse and inclusive. It functions as a forum to discuss equality-related issues and share concrete actions that contribute to achieving equality in the energy sector.
Any organisation representing the energy sector in the EU can become a member and contribute to the platform.
Find out what our Platform members do to enhance diversity and inclusion in the energy sector.
Platform news and meeting documents are available in this section.
Equality and energy in the EU
Equality and inclusion in all its dimensions - including gender, sex, race, religion, disability, age and sexual orientation - is a core EU principle and a fundamental right. It also drives economic growth and social well-being.
Energy policy also plays an important role in economic growth and social well-being, as the EU aims to become climate neutral by 2050. The energy sector is central to the EU's efforts to boost competitiveness, strengthen energy security and bring down energy costs for households and businesses. As Europe electrifies and clean technologies grow, the sector needs more skilled people than ever, and it will only find them by opening its doors to everyone.
While there is growing recognition of the importance and benefits of diversity in the sector, there remains a lot to be done.
Across business, society and politics, diversity is fundamental to creating equality. It is important that the energy sector actively promotes equal opportunities at all levels, from energy professionals and decision-makers to consumers.
Key facts on gender balance
The number of women in the EU energy sector’s workforce increased from 19% in 2010 to 24% in 2022, making it one of the most male-dominated sectors in the EU economy. The share of women in management positions is slightly better, with 28%.
Companies operating in the renewable energy sector have a slightly lower percentage of women in their workforces than those in the conventional sector. The share of women is particularly low in the hydrogen and heat pump energy sectors, which are both relatively new sectors with strong employment growth potential.
It is projected that to achieve a minimal gender balance of 40% female participation by 2050, an additional 200,000 women will need to be employed in the EU27 energy sector.
Job satisfaction regarding working conditions in the energy sector is high among both women and men, with 73% of women stating that their current work hours and patterns meet their needs.
(Source: Gender Balance in the R&I field to Improve the Role of Women in the Energy Transition - 2024).