The clean energy transition is our chance to build a fairer future, yet women are still missing from the table. Around the world, only 15% of clean energy leadership roles are held by women.

Even in Thailand, a leader in the Asia Pacific region when it comes to women’s leadership in the energy sector, women occupy just 23% of leadership positions.

But when women are at the helm, the impact speaks for itself.

Salinee Hurley. Photo from SunSawang

Salinee Hurley is proof that inclusive leadership powers inclusive solutions. A mechanical engineer specializing in solar, she founded SunSawang: a social enterprise bringing solar home systems and lanterns to off-grid villages along the Thailand–Myanmar border. She is also the Project Director at the Border Green Energy Team (BGET), an organization advancing clean energy access in the region.

Salinee’s journey into solar began when she pursued further studies in solar engineering in the United States. Returning to Thailand, she initially implemented solar projects through an NGO model, using grant funding to provide free installations in remote areas. Over time, she realized the approach lacked long-term sustainability.

To address this, Salinee transitioned to a social enterprise model, offering long-term payment plans that support both ongoing maintenance and local ownership.

“Free installations may help in the short term, but the real goal is to empower people to access energy independently in the long run,” she said.

Solar installation at Maw Poe Kay High School. Photo from SunSawang

SunSawang now trains and hires local technicians and sales agents to serve their own communities. This localized model not only keeps systems functioning, but also supports economic activity—access to reliable electricity allows for evening work like weaving, increasing household income.

Salinee’s work also highlights the systemic barriers that persist in Thailand’s solar landscape: high upfront costs, inconsistent regional regulations, and limited financing options for low-income households. Recent steps, including draft laws to simplify rooftop solar permitting and new green loan products, are promising, but access remains uneven.

Last year, she joined New Energy Nexus Thailand’s SolarSTEP initiative, where she shared her expertise and connected with other women leading the shift to a cleaner energy future.

Solar installation at Maw Poe Kay High School. Photo from SunSawang

Supporting women leading the way

SolarSTEP is designed to build skills and leadership among solar technicians and entrepreneurs, with a focus on women, to help accelerate Thailand’s clean energy transition.

This work is spurred on by Thailand’s ambitious target to reach 12,139 MW of solar capacity by 2037, as outlined in its Alternative Energy Development Plan (AEDP). Hitting this target will take more than policy; it requires investing in people, empowering women, and expanding access to rooftop solar across the country.

This is where SolarSTEP comes in. The program has already delivered seven trainings across Thailand’s Central, Northern, and Southern regions, reaching over 200 participants. These efforts have been strengthened through collaboration with key partners, including PEA Encom Smart Solution, PEA Encom International, and LONGi.

Photo of the SolarSTEP 2024 Training program participants, including Salinee Hurley.

Looking ahead, we’re focused on scaling impact, broadening solar access, and building a sector that mirrors the diversity of the communities it serves.

If we want a just and resilient clean energy future, we need to break down the barriers that keep women on the sidelines and back those already leading the way. Empowering more women to participate and lead in clean energy isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s the smart thing to do.

Want to be part of building an inclusive clean energy sector in Thailand? Learn more about our work here.

Kizia Janet, an entrepreneur selling solar-powered products in Kyenjojo, Uganda.

On International Women’s Day, we celebrate the impact women entrepreneurs have on the clean energy transition, overcoming systemic challenges and biases around the world.

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Clean energy solutions – the very ones that can help address the impacts of climate change – should not be held back by systemic barriers. Yet women entrepreneurs continue to face disproportionate challenges in funding and scaling their clean energy businesses. In fact, only 3% of global venture capital goes to companies founded solely by women, and just 15% of investors in the clean energy space are women.

These data are not just mere numbers on equitable representation: they speak about missed economic and societal potential. For example, the International Monetary Fund states that only 6% of women in advanced economies hold green jobs, whereas more than 20% of employed men work in this sector. The share of women in green jobs is even lower in emerging markets and developing economies.

Tackling this gender gap is crucial for both economic growth and environmental sustainability. According to the IMF, nations with a higher proportion of STEM-educated workers and robust gender equity policies tend to experience greater reductions in greenhouse gas emissions when implementing climate policies. In the countries where NEX works, we see daily that women are developing groundbreaking clean energy solutions, yet they often struggle to access the same resources, visibility, and agency as their male counterparts.

On International Women’s Day, it’s not enough to simply celebrate women founders for the sake of diversity—we must recognize their ingenuity, resilience, and the transformative impact they’re making in the clean energy sector. These entrepreneurs aren’t just numbers on an inclusion story; they’re building tangible clean energy solutions that reflect the needs of their communities.

The question is, how can they break these barriers and scale their solutions?

What we’re doing

At New Energy Nexus, we’re committed to partnering with women-led startups and businesses, and facilitating access to the resources they need to grow. In 2023, we backed 1,100 women entrepreneurs—40% of the total founders we supported—toward the goal of building a more inclusive clean energy sector. This is far from parity but a huge step in the right direction.

Through our global network, we connect women entrepreneurs not only to capital and mentorship but also to a community of fellow women founders. We provide funding through New Energy Nexus Ventures and partnerships with alternative financing vehicles worldwide while offering training and mentorship through our accelerator and incubator programs across multiple countries.

Women leading the way

This support only elevates the already impactful work these women entrepreneurs are doing. From energy efficiency solutions to improving energy access in off-grid communities, women have their fingerprints all over the global clean energy sector. Here are a few examples across the world:

Community Energy Labs (California, USA)

Community Energy Labs (CEL) is pioneering a low-cost, grid-interactive building control platform that autonomously optimizes energy use, pricing, and comfort. Their innovative solution minimizes the setup and maintenance burden for controls professionals and building operators, making it ideal for K-12 schools, municipalities, and small to mid-sized buildings.

At the helm of CEL is Tanya Barham, a visionary entrepreneur and CEO who is revolutionizing energy management through community-driven, sustainable solutions. With a deep passion for technology and sustainability, Tanya has established CEL as a leader in smart energy systems, empowering communities to reduce costs, lower carbon footprints, and optimize energy efficiency.

Beyond her technical expertise, Tanya is a dedicated advocate for diversity and inclusion in STEM and entrepreneurship

“CalSEED has really enabled our customer focus in a way that I think a lot of technology and R&D organizations don’t necessarily do. So we’ve appreciated that a lot. Also just good people. They’re really just trying to enable you to give you the resources to the network, the opportunities, the visibility to allow you to test your new idea and to allow it to flourish,” said Tanya Barham.

Solar Run Energy (China)

Solar Run Energy is not only a thriving business but also a lifeline for off-grid communities in several countries in Africa, providing solar-powered solutions to millions without electricity.

Founder Xia (Susan) Li grew up in rural China, where she relied on kerosene lamps for light. That firsthand experience shaped her understanding of energy poverty and reinforced her commitment to creating sustainable solutions.

“Today, many girls still have to give up the opportunity to study because they have to fetch water during the day,” Li said. “If there is a light at night, at least they still have a chance to study and read.”

New Energy Nexus China has supported Solar Run Energy, helping scale its impact with access to networks and international markets.

Agrivijay (India)

Co-founded by Shobha Chanchlani, Agrivijay is India’s first curated marketplace for renewable energy products, specifically for farmers and rural households. They have multiple ‘Renewable Energy Stores’ that act as a one-stop shop for solar, biogas, thermal, wind, and electric products.

An alumni of the Women in Energy program we run with Climate Collective, which support the growth of women-led early-stage startups in India, Agrivijay has since established 11 new Renewable Energy Stores and has expanded in the states of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.

“We’re honored and glad to be part of [New Energy Nexus’] accelerator program, which has helped shape us as an organization with a vision to empower farmers and rural households to fight climate change,” said Chanchlani.

Magi Farm (Indonesia)

The island of Bali in Indonesia has a waste problem, with a large component being food scraps. Led by Indonesian entrepreneur Ima Rida, Magi Farm uses Black Soldier Fly larvae to transform food waste into nutrient-rich compost.

This method not only cuts harmful methane emissions, but also regenerates the environment and opens up possibilities for sustainable tourism.

Magi Farm launched its pioneering, community-focused pilot project with support and a grant from NEX Indonesia.

“Maybe there are Balinese women out there feeling the way I did when I started building my business,” Rida said. “Sometimes the challenge lies in societal expectations: balancing running a business, finding personal time, and participating in traditional community activities.”

GAIA Corp (Philippines)

Women-led startup GAIA Corp is tackling the challenge of heat management in buildings—a critical issue in the Philippines, where rising temperatures are driving up cooling-related energy consumption.

Their insulation technology, The CoolRoof Project, reduces heat absorption in buildings, improving resilience while cutting energy costs.

Operating in a male-dominated industry, founder Eva Lisa Adoremos has faced challenges working primarily with engineers. She overcame this by continuously expanding her expertise through education.

Eva and GAIA Corp are alumni of NEX Philippines’ Startup Acceleration Program, where she gained valuable insights into the administrative side of running a clean energy startup and joined a global network of industry peers.

“I think my role, being a woman in this space, is to become an instrument of promoting equal opportunities for other women who want to be part of this sector,” Adoremos said.

Atchara Poomee, Founder and CEO of PAC Corporation. Photo from PAC Corporation

PAC Corporation (Thailand)

Just a short flight away from the Philippines, Thailand also experiences bouts of extreme heat, partly quelled by air conditioning units. However, emissions from these units contribute to climate change, creating a cycle of rising temperatures and increased energy demand.

PAC Corporation is tackling this issue by producing energy-efficient air conditioning units and water heaters that recycle waste heat, reducing both energy costs and environmental impact.

Founder and CEO Atchara Poomee is also a strong advocate for gender equality, mentoring entrepreneurs of all genders and using her platform to inspire more women to enter the sector.

“I would like them to believe that they are capable, and, regardless of gender, we can succeed if we are determined,” she shared in a UN Women article.

Through NEX Thailand’s Decarbonizing Thailand Sandbox, PAC Corporation was matched with corporate partner B. Grimm, helping scale its solutions for a more sustainable future.

Uganda – Local Organizations and Entrepreneurs

With 60 percent of the population still lacking access to electricity, our Uganda program focuses on supporting local organizations that understand the unique challenges of off-grid communities. We’ve provided funding to groups like Utopia, a faith-based organization empowering rural women entrepreneurs to build clean energy businesses in the Kyenjojo district.

A majority of the entrepreneurs we’re supporting in the country are women, and 70 percent of the jobs created by our programs were taken by women as well.

One such entrepreneur is Kizia Janet, whose solar lantern and panel business is now thriving. Beyond securing a steady income, she is helping her community transition to sustainable energy, improving both quality of life and local economic growth.

Nguyễn Thị Thu Hằng pitching Wiibike on “Shark Tank Vietnam.” Photo from Shark Tank Vietnam

Wiibike (Vietnam)

Nguyễn Thị Thu Hằng founded Wiibike, Vietnam’s first locally made e-bike, to promote both a healthier lifestyle and a shift toward green transportation.

Her journey began as a new mother concerned about air pollution’s impact on her child’s future. What started as a personal mission has grown into a thriving business, with over 1,000 e-bikes sold and an ambitious goal of reaching 2 million units by 2030. Hằng even pitched Wiibike on Shark Tank Vietnam, showcasing the potential of sustainable mobility.

Wiibike participated in New Energy Nexus Vietnam’s Cohort 2 program, where the team refined their business model, gained insights into fundraising, and built strategic partnerships to scale their impact.

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From California to Ho Chi Minh City, these women are demonstrating that when diverse founders have the right support, they don’t just succeed—they redefine industries, drive innovation, and accelerate the clean energy transition.

Their businesses are not only creating jobs and cutting emissions, but also highlighting that women entrepreneurship holds the key to an inclusive clean energy future.

Be part of our movement for a more equitable clean energy transition. If you’re an entrepreneur, check out how our programs can accelerate your growth here. Or if you’re a donor or potential partner that wants to scale your impact, let’s talk!

A Vietnamese farmer cuts rice and harvests rice in the Mekong Delta.

Climate change is having a huge impact in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta. The region is sinking 1.1 centimeters every year, and farmers are struggling with inconsistent weather cycles.

In response, its agricultural sector is embracing climate adaptation, powered by brilliant women entrepreneurs whose products are helping the region build resilience.

Through the Deltaccelerate program, funded by the Australian Government and managed by New Energy Nexus, six women entrepreneurs with climate-adaptive products received up to VND 1 billion (over US$39,000) to scale their businesses and strengthen their sustainable practices. These entrepreneurs were selected out of 14 competitive participants, all of whom underwent tailored training and gained networking opportunities.

This program follows a positive trend for diversity in the country’s private sector. Women now own over 20 percent of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the country. As they rise in numbers, so does their role in shaping the future of sustainable business in Vietnam.

The six women entrepreneurs receiving funding from the Deltaccelerate program.

Whether they’re using coffee to make mugs, or cat houses from water hyacinth, here are the women-led businesses at the forefront of climate innovation in the Mekong Delta:

Mekong Coconut Oil Company Limited (Cocovie)

Founded by Hoang Thanh Thuy, the company produces quality cosmetic and food products made from coconut oil in the Ben Tre province. They have been utilizing and preserving over 10,000 hectares of coconut trees, estimated to have absorbed 75,000 tons of CO2.

Cau Ke Macapuno Coconut Processing Co., Ltd (VICOSAP)

Lam Ngoc Tu’s business uses macapuno coconuts to produce confectionery, baking ingredients and drinks. Cultivated by the Khmer community of Tra Vinh province, macapuno coconuts are known for their high saline tolerance—making them an ideal climate-adaptive crop.

Palmania JSC

Co-founded by Chau Ngoc Diu, the company produces Palmania, an organic sugar substitute made of sweet nectar from palmyra trees in An Giang province. The business provides jobs to indigenous farmers and taps palmyra trees in a way that does not shorten the trees’ 100-year lifespan.

Ben Tre Village in the Mekong Delta.

AirXCarbon/Veritas Vietnam JSC

Represented by Chief Strategic Officer Tran Thanh Thao, AirXCarbon turns materials such as coffee grounds, rice, and coconut husks into bioplastics, used to make zero-carbon products ranging from mugs to alternative packaging.

Dam Doi Sesarmid Cooperative

Tran Thi Xa’s business produces a wide range of sustainable products made from sesarmids and shrimps caught in the Ca Mau province.

Ecoka JSC

Led by Quang Chan Chan, this company manufactures and distributes handicrafts made entirely from natural materials in the Ha Giang province—including water hyacinth, bulrush, rattan, bamboo, and macrame. Their products include bags, coasters, and even cat houses.

About Deltaccelerate

Deltaccelerate is made possible by a unique partnership between the Australian Government and New Energy Nexus through the Business Partnerships Platform (BPP) Climate Adaptation Partnerships in the Mekong Delta, announced in November 2023.

Deltaccelerate is a business accelerator funded by the Australian Government providing direct support, tailored training, and networking opportunities for enterprises that work in the Mekong Delta’s agricultural sector, which are led by or significantly benefit women and contribute to the sector’s resilience to climate adaptation.

The Partnerships are part of the Australian Government’s AU$94.5 million investments for climate change adaptation in the Mekong Delta.

We talk to clean energy business founders and management teams on a daily basis, and what we hear consistently is the struggle they have finding talent.  A staggering number of green jobs will need to be created to transition whole economies to clean energy and there is a critical talent shortage across the sector. By 2030, there will be a global shortage of seven million skilled workers that would be needed for all the necessary climate and energy projects – a fact that is not lost on the startups and businesses we support. The skills shortage is the achilles heel in the clean energy transition.

While many young people – the workers of the future – want to dedicate their careers to climate action, they often find themselves without the necessary skills to pursue one, or aren’t even aware of the career pathways available to them.

Take this data point as an example: a majority of respondents to a Student Energy survey of 40,000 youth around the world found that over two-thirds think it is necessary to have a background in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) to work on the energy transition. However, ask any marketing professional or policy analyst working in a climate tech startup, and they’ll easily bust this myth!

Their research shows that the most common barriers respondents to the survey face in employment are lack of awareness about existing job opportunities (47.6%), lack of available entry-level positions (46.0%), and lack of access to skills training (44.9%).

LinkedIn’s own research also shows that just 1 in 20 Gen Zs globally have the skills they need to tackle the climate crisis, compared to 1 in 8 of the wider workforce.

This has big implications for the talent pipelines of clean energy businesses. So the question is: How can we create more awareness of the career pathways available in the clean energy transition? And how do we equip these youth with the skills they need to join clean energy businesses and startups, or even start their own?

At New York Climate Week 2024, we hosted a panel discussion with Student Energy and LinkedIn to answer these very questions, with a focus on youth in the Global South.

A discussion on clean energy career pathways for youth in the Global South

Cammie Erickson – Director of Social Impact, LinkedIn

Cammie opened the panel by stressing the importance of data in shaping strategies for clean energy career pathways. LinkedIn’s data reveals a passionate generation eager to work in green jobs but lacking the necessary skills and access to roles.

Cammie Erickson – Director of Social Impact, LinkedIn

Andrew Chang – Chief Growth Officer, New Energy Nexus

Andrew emphasized the centrality of people in a just energy transition, which is not just about technology but about fairness. He discussed opportunities in the energy transition, entrepreneurial skills, narrative-building, and how NEX creates alliances to help youth connect with value-driven solutions.

Andrew Chang – Chief Growth Officer, New Energy Nexus

Helen Watts – Executive Director, Student Energy

Helen highlighted the need for a multi-stakeholder approach, urging climate actors to rethink their business models and engage with underserved voices. She encouraged expanding partnerships, fostering dialogue between educational institutions, NGOs, and the private sector to create curricula, training, and job opportunities for youth, all while pushing for supportive government policies.

Helen Watts – Executive Director, Student Energy

Hamd Akmal – Student, NYU

Hamd shared her personal experiences of the barriers young people face, including a disconnect between available jobs and their motivations. She urged organizations to better engage youth, understand their needs, and bridge communication gaps between job seekers and employers.

Hamd Akmal – Student, NYU

What next?

By investing in education and training, we can empower the next generation to accelerate a more equitable clean energy transition. The Student Energy and New Energy Nexus partnership is one such initiative.

We’ll pilot an internships and jobs platform that will feature opportunities from our extensive network of clean energy startups and entrepreneurs to bridge the gap between green skills, the youth workforce, and employers in the clean energy sector.

We’re already doing this in California, Indonesia, the Philippines, Uganda, and Vietnam. Watch this space as we scale up our work to support even more youth in joining the clean energy transition!

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