Clean Energy Education and Empowerment (C3E) | Clean Energy Ministerial |Clean Energy Education and Empowerment (C3E)

Overview

The CEM's Clean Energy Education and Empowerment (C3E) initiative was launched at the first CEM in 2010 to enable greater gender diversity in clean energy professions, recognizing that the transition to a clean energy future will only success if we harness all possible talent.

The energy industry remains one of the most gender imbalanced sectors, with women making up just 20% of the workforce. Women’s representation internationally in clean energy is only slightly higher at 35%. International research also consistently shows that a diverse workforce and gender-balanced boardrooms result in greater organisational performance and stronger bottom lines, both in private and public sectors

Key Accomplishments

The C3E initiative has built up an International Ambassador Corps made up of 60+ exceptional women who promote the initiative, build partnerships, mentor other women, and advocate on behalf of gender equality in the clean energy sector. Ambassadors hail from 11 countries worldwide, including China, Canada, Finland, Germany, Japan, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, Sweden, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, and United States.

Several C3E members have also undertaken domestic activities under the banner of the initiative, including the United Kingdom and United States, who both host programs that highlight and celebrate the advancement of women in energy.

In June 2017, the C3E Initiative was reorganised using the IEA Technology Collaboration Program (TCP), recognising this format could provide a stronger organisational structure for the initiative. The participants have developed an updated work plan with clear objectives. Past members are actively encouraged to re-join the initiative in this new format, bringing continuity and momentum to the work.

Goals

A key success factor in the transition to a low carbon economy will be the ability to attract and retain a diverse pool of talent capable of bringing fresh perspectives. The C3E initiative aims to advance women’s participation in clean energy by creating opportunities and closing the gender gap across four focus areas:

Awards and recognition,
Gender Data and benchmarking,
Career development/mentorship, and
Dialogue and communications.

Key Activities

The C3E was relaunched as an IEA TCP at CEM8 in June 2017 by founding members Canada, Italy, and Sweden.

The first Executive Committee meeting was held in September 2017 in Paris. It has since adopted a work program and framework to share responsibilities amongst participating countries.

The data workstream was officially launched at a side event at the IEA Ministerial on November 7, 2017, where a new pamphlet – Women in Clean Energy: Knowledge Gaps and Opportunities – was released. At the event, a number of other countries, including US, Chile, United Arab Emirates, and the European Commission, signalled interest in joining the C3E TCP.

In December 2017, Finland formally joined the C3E TCP. Australia has also confirmed its membership.

Over 60 distinguished leaders from around the world make up the C3E’s International Ambassador Corps. The C3E TCP hopes to expand the Ambassador Corp in the near-term, inviting the next generation of senior executives, academics, and thought leaders to serve as ambassadors.

Website

Awards

Fact Sheet

C3E fact sheet (June 2019).pdf

Presentation

Status Report on Gender Equality in the Energy Sector.pdf

Publications

Equal by 30 Balance Means Business Report.pdf