“Gender diversity can help create a more supportive and collaborative work environment, which can improve productivity.”

Carolina Izquierdo, Head of Technical Office, Enertis Applus+

In June and July, Energética magazine is organizing a series of interviews with leading women in the energy sector. In this case, we interviewed Carolina Izquierdo, head of the technical office of Enertis Applus+, who explains to us what her job entails and how women’s presence in the sector is evolving.

Briefly describe your work in the energy sector and the type of projects/services in your company that you work on on a daily basis.

Enertis Applus+ is a company providing consulting, engineering and quality assurance services in the renewable energy sector, especially in the areas of solar photovoltaic energy, wind energy and energy storage.

More than 14 years ago, I embarked on an ambitious project to develop the engineering department of Enertis Applus+. Coming from the construction industry, my transition to the energy sector required a major retraining. Today, as head of the technical office and headquarters in Madrid, I support the company’s various strategic areas, the most important of which is the Latin American region, where I am responsible for ensuring the efficiency of our projects.

Coming from a different sector, I realized that I needed to adapt my profile to better understand the technical requirements and regulations of the energy sector. To do this, I completed several courses and obtained certificates that allowed me to gain the necessary knowledge about renewable technologies and applicable regulations.

In addition, I used my previous construction experience to gain valuable insight into project management and the implementation of effective engineering practices. This combination of training and previous experience allowed me to quickly integrate into the team and begin making a meaningful contribution.

My responsibilities as the Technical Office Manager range from project oversight to team management. We offer technical support in several regions of the world and maintain direct contact with customers. I coordinate and monitor solar and storage projects, ensuring quality standards are met and deadlines are met.

One of the most rewarding aspects of my job is the ability to work in an international environment, especially in a region like Latin America, which presents unique challenges, from weather conditions to local regulations. We bring our extensive technical expertise and adaptability to each project, allowing us to offer the best service to our clients.

Throughout my career at Enertis Applus+, I have implemented various initiatives to optimize engineering processes and improve operational efficiency. The key role in this regard has been played by the introduction of new technologies and project management methodologies. These improvements have not only increased our quality standards, but also enabled us to complete projects faster and more efficiently. We are always evolving.

Among the most notable projects I have worked on are detailed engineering designs. These projects presented significant technical challenges and required close coordination with numerous stakeholders. Thanks to the efforts and dedication of my team, we were able to achieve exceptional results, making a significant contribution to the expansion of renewable energy sources in the region.

As a leader, I firmly believe in the importance of continuous professional development. I create an inclusive and collaborative work environment where every team member feels valued and supported.

My vision for the future of the Enertis Applus+ Engineering Department includes the implementation of the latest technologies and the continuous improvement of our processes. I am committed to promoting sustainable development and the transition to clean energy and will continue to participate in initiatives and projects that contribute to achieving these goals.

I believe my experience can serve as an inspiration to other female professionals looking to grow in the energy sector. Adaptability and continuous learning have been key to my success.

Through these efforts, I hope to contribute to positive and long-term change in the renewable energy sector.

According to AEMENER, in 2022 women made up 32.9% of the workforce in the Spanish energy sector. What initiatives can be implemented to promote greater inclusion and gender equality in this sector?

To promote greater inclusion of women in the Spanish energy sector, various strategic initiatives can be implemented, such as the adoption of an inclusive recruitment principle; training and professional development initiatives; flexibility and family reconciliation policies; recognition programmes and awareness campaigns for women aimed at promoting successful careers among women; and equal pay policies.

This is a challenge for everyone, not just women. Collaboration is the key to success.

How can greater gender diversity impact innovation, decision making, and overall company performance?

Gender diversity can impact innovation, decision making, and overall company performance.

Teams with greater gender diversity tend to be more creative and innovative, bringing different perspectives and experiences to the work environment. Moreover, having different perspectives on the same scenario can lead to more informed decision making.

In terms of overall company performance, gender diversity can contribute to a more supportive and collaborative work environment, which in turn can improve productivity by creating a more enjoyable work environment for employees.

In short, promoting gender diversity in a company can contribute to long-term success.

In the student population, women’s representation in STEM fields remains relatively low. What strategies could energy companies implement to encourage more young women to become interested in and pursue these subjects?

The need to promote the inclusion of women in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) professions shows that we have not yet achieved the level of equality and progress we need to have in the 21st century. Despite significant progress in many areas, women’s representation in these fields remains disproportionately low compared to men’s.

There are several reasons for this inequality. These include, on the one hand, the lack of role models for women, and on the other, the work environment, which can sometimes be unacceptable for female employees.

Despite progress, positions of responsibility in many organizations and sectors, including those associated with STEM careers, are still predominantly held by men. However, the continued efforts of women to break through and occupy these leadership roles are notable and significant.

Therefore, promoting gender equality and creating an inclusive and motivating environment in the student environment may be the key to success in increasing women’s representation in these professions. To achieve this goal, it is necessary to develop training programs based on successful women’s models, organize events and talks to showcase their experiences and evaluate the role of women in companies.