New Delhi, 6th August 2025: Women are emerging as key players in India’s energy sector, from upstream material sourcing and battery component manufacturing to power generation, grid innovations, and downstream clean mobility solutions. They are championing the shift towards cleaner energy. Despite their immense contributions, they remain underrepresented throughout the energy value chain. A study by McKinsey Global Institute highlights that if women are empowered to work alongside men, the nation’s economy would potentially grow by an additional 27 percent by 2025. However, women still comprise just 11% of India’s energy distribution workforce and less than 1% in leadership roles, a stark contrast to the global average of 32%. In a recent report at India Energy Storage Week 2025 by India Energy Storage Alliance (IESA) revealed, 60% of women in energy urge for gender-responsive policies to boost India’s 500 GW clean energy target by 2030.
The study conducted across 26 states, including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Kolkata, has also highlighted the urgent need for strong policy and regulatory frameworks to foster the participation of women in India’s energy sector.
With robust government schemes and initiatives such as the PM Surya Ghar, PM KUSUM, and National Green Hydrogen Mission, the industry is striving towards unlocking the full potential of women’s engagement in the sector. However, the report further highlights 26% believe that the women in the industry are dealing with unconscious bias, lack of visibility, structural barriers, and demands for inclusive hiring, leadership development, and institutional support to bolster the industry. Additionally, 14% of the respondents underlined that women should not only be beneficiaries but also owners, managers, and decision-makers in the clean energy transition.
The report launched at the Women in Energy Forum during the India Energy Storage Week 2025 also spotlighted the growing role of women in shaping India’s clean energy future and how certain barriers, such as skill gaps and lower participation of women, can be addressed by embedding gender-responsive policies, skill-building and mentoring pathways, and diversity-led innovation strategies.
Organized by the India Energy Storage Alliance (IESA), the Women in Energy Forum brought together voices from across the energy value chain to spotlight the growing role of women in shaping India’s clean energy future. From critical discussions to powerful success stories and a prestigious felicitation ceremony honoring women leaders in the sector, the event offered both reflection and direction. What made the discussions especially resonant was the diversity of voices across the energy value chain.
A highlight of the forum was the spotlight on inspiring success stories that exemplify this transformation. Vedanta Group and the CES CARE team shared how gender-inclusive initiatives have created real impact on the ground—in mining sites, energy operations, and circular economy practices. A moment of reflection came through ReNew’s short documentary on women salt farmers, showcasing how clean energy is being harnessed to uplift livelihoods in some of the most challenging geographies. These stories made it.
Mr. Debmalya Sen, President of IESA, said, “Women are not just participating in the energy transition—they are leading it from the frontlines. Through events like women in energy forums and bringing forward lessons from navigating complex systems via a report, IESA aims to shape more inclusive leadership landscapes in the sector. I believe that there can be no meaningful progress without harnessing the full potential of women. Their ideas, leadership, and actions are lighting the path to a better energy future—for everyone.”
The culminating moment of the forum was the Women in Energy Felicitation Ceremony. Under the theme “Honoring Your Inspiring Contributions in Advancing Inclusion in Energy and Beyond,” IESA recognized and awarded exceptional women leaders who are driving systemic change across the energy sector. These recognitions were more than symbolic—they acknowledged the deep, sustained impact that women are making in policy, business, technology, and community engagement.
About India Energy Storage Alliance (IESA)
The India Energy Storage Alliance (IESA) is a premier industry body dedicated to promoting energy storage, e-mobility, and green hydrogen adoption in India. IESA works with policymakers, industry stakeholders, and research institutions to accelerate market development through policy advocacy, business networking, and thought leadership.
