ENERGY ACT FOR UKRAINE FOUNDATION
Project management in solar power plant construction course
"For us, it is important not only to talk about the need for renewable energy but also to create real opportunities for those who are ready to join this sector. We believe that women can become a driving force for change in this industry if the barriers in their way are removed. The movement to support women in solar energy is a step towards a deeper understanding that in the current conditions of crisis and the challenges of war, women face non-standard challenges, but also unique opportunities, including in solar energy. Our task is to help them"
said the Founder and CEO of the Foundation, Yuliana Onishchuk.
Yuliana Onishchuk is the Founder & CEO of the Foundation, has the experience at DTEK Grids, the largest private investor in the energy industry in Ukraine, Energy Community and Naftogaz of Ukraine, the largest, vertically integrated oil and gas company.
Yuliana builds solar station in Ukraine for local communities, and promote the crucial role of women in energy development.
Areas of activity
The main area of activity of the Energy Act for Ukraine Foundation is providing social and critical infrastructure facilities with solar solutions. Given the challenges on the labor market in Ukraine, caused by the full-scale russian invasion, the active development of the solar energy industry due to the current energy crisis, the low level of representation of women in solar energy, the charitable foundation is expanding its activities by developing a new direction to support women in solar energy and expand their educational opportunities.
Research results
The Energy Act for Ukraine Foundation conducted a nationwide study “Barriers and challenges faced by women during their professional transition to the solar energy sector.”
The research involved 696 female respondents from across the country (excluding areas of active hostilities and temporarily occupied territories) and was carried out in both quantitative and qualitative phases.
Solar energy in Ukraine is developing rapidly and creating new professional opportunities. However, women remain significantly underrepresented: they account for only 23–27% of the energy sector workforce, despite the acute shortage of specialists reported by over 75% of employers.
The findings of the study are of practical importance: they highlight the key barriers to women’s integration into the solar energy sector and provide a foundation for specific recommendations and initiatives aimed at fostering women’s professional development in this and related industries.
The research was supported by Mercy Corps.
The context
Renewable energy sources (RES), including solar energy, have become particularly important in Ukraine in recent years and already account for 10% of the total structure of electricity generation sources. This is due to several factors.
Firstly, more than 50% of energy capacities are damaged or destroyed, and due to constant Russian attacks on energy infrastructure, every Ukrainian is trying to increase their energy independence. Solar energy is becoming one of the most effective tools for ensuring uninterrupted power supply in the current energy crisis.
Secondly, Ukraine, together with the whole world, is moving towards environmentally friendly and innovative development within the framework of the National Energy and Climate Plan, according to which by 2030 the share of RES should be at least 25% in the energy balance.
Third, due to the human capital crisis caused by the full-scale war in Ukraine and migration, about 75% of employers are experiencing a shortage of personnel. At the same time, Ukrainians have mostly adapted to life in a state of war, declaring openness to training, retraining and realizing their own potential in new areas.
Despite the fact that the industry is becoming increasingly popular, women still face barriers and obstacles to development opportunities in this niche. According to global statistics, women make up only about 30% of people involved in solar energy, which indicates the presence of significant challenges for their integration into this industry.
