Women are driving innovation in Ireland's energy transition
Working in renewable energy is often fast-paced, exciting and challenging; it’s also rewarding to contribute to a more sustainable future while building a meaningful career.
Ciara King is director of HR, recruitment and training at OHK Energy — a leading engineering, construction and retrofit company, delivering solutions to businesses, public sector bodies and entities from SMEs to grid scale.
“What inspired me to pursue a career in renewable energy was the sense that I could be part of something both purposeful and transformative. Early in my career, I was drawn to organisations where the work truly mattered, and renewable energy stood out as a sector where commercial success and environmental responsibility go hand in hand,” said Ciara.
Ireland’s commitment to sustainability, supported by organisations like the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, made it clear to Ciara that renewable energy wasn’t just a trend — it was the future.
“Whether it’s wind, solar, or emerging clean technologies, I saw an opportunity not only to build teams, but to help shape an industry that would have a lasting impact on our communities and future generations.”
From a people perspective, the renewable energy sector is incredibly dynamic, she says, requiring innovation, collaboration, and a willingness to continuously learn as technologies and policies evolve.
“That really resonated with me as a female leader. I was inspired by the chance to attract diverse talent into a growing industry, create meaningful career pathways across multiple disciplines, and champion greater representation of women in what has traditionally been a male-dominated field. Ultimately, what keeps me motivated is knowing that the work we do — the teams we build, the training we invest in, the culture we nurture — directly supports our people while contributing to Ireland’s transition to clean energy. It’s a privilege to help shape careers while, at the same time, playing a role in building a more sustainable future.”
Having more women in the renewable energy sector isn’t just important, it’s essential for the future of the industry, Ciara believes.
“Renewable Energy is about innovation, long-term thinking, and building sustainable solutions for communities. To do that well, we need diversity of thought, experience, and perspective. When women are part of the conversation, at every level, from apprentices to senior leadership, decisions are more balanced, teams are more collaborative, and businesses are stronger.”
From a HR and leadership perspective, she has seen firsthand how diverse teams perform better, challenging each other in healthy ways, approaching problems differently, and ultimately creating more rounded solutions.
“Representation also matters deeply. When young women can see others thriving in technical, operational, and leadership roles within solar, it expands what they believe is possible for themselves. On a more human level, the energy transition affects everyone, our homes, our families, and our communities. It makes sense that the workforce shaping that transition reflects the society it serves.”
For Ciara, encouraging more women into solar is about opportunity and fairness, but is also about unlocking potential.
“There is so much untapped talent out there. When we actively welcome women into the sector, support their development, and create inclusive environments, we’re not just doing the right thing, we’re strengthening the entire industry. And ultimately, the more diverse our voices, the brighter our future will be.”
As to her advice to women considering a career in renewable energy, Ciara is succinct: “My advice would be simple: Go for it! Whether you’re just finishing school and thinking about your first career step, or you’re considering a new challenge or even a complete career change, renewable energy has space for you. This sector is evolving so quickly that fresh perspectives and transferable skills are incredibly valuable. You don’t need to have started in energy to thrive in it.”
One of the things she loves most about the industry is that every day is a learning day: “It’s fast-paced, exciting, and yes, it can be challenging. But it’s also deeply rewarding. You’re part of something bigger than yourself, contributing to a more sustainable future while building a meaningful career. I always remind women that there is nothing we cannot do. Sometimes we underestimate just how capable we are.”
She adds that skills from other industries, leadership, organisation, communication, problem-solving and resilience are transferable.
“Confidence grows with experience, and experience comes from taking that first step. Be curious. Be open to learning. Back yourself. Ask questions. And don’t wait until you feel 100% ready — growth happens when we stretch ourselves. Renewable energy is a sector full of opportunity, purpose, and possibility. If you’re considering it, take the leap. You might just surprise yourself with how far you can go.”
Looking ahead, Ciara sees many exciting opportunities for growth in renewable energy here in Ireland.
“It truly feels like we’re still at the beginning of an incredible journey. Ireland’s renewable energy capacity has grown significantly in recent years, yet we’re only scratching the surface of what’s possible. With ambitious government and industry targets for 2030, there is huge scope for continued expansion of large-scale solar, rooftop generation, battery storage, heat pump adoption, and smarter grid infrastructure to support a cleaner, more resilient energy system.”
One of the most exciting opportunities lies in the integration of renewable technologies within homes and businesses: “The growth of heat pumps, alongside solar PV and energy storage, is transforming how buildings are powered and heated.”
Programmes such as the One Stop Shop retrofit scheme and the Warmer Homes Scheme, are making it easier for homeowners to undertake deep energy upgrades.
“These initiatives are not only reducing carbon emissions, but improving comfort, lowering long-term energy costs, and enhancing property value.”
What has been especially heartening is the momentum at grassroots level, she says. “More homeowners, community groups, and small businesses are embracing renewable solutions not just to reduce emissions, but to gain greater energy independence and long-term cost stability. The shift toward whole-home retrofits, combining insulation, solar PV, and heat pumps, represents a more holistic and future-focused approach to energy.”
The continued expansion across solar deployment, retrofit programmes, and low-carbon heating is expected to support thousands of jobs across planning, engineering, installation, operations, and maintenance, while contributing significantly to regional development and the wider Irish economy.
“Ireland’s renewable energy sector has enormous room to grow, and the opportunities for people, businesses, communities, and the next generation of women leaders are both significant and energising.”
Asked to choose one innovation or trend in renewable energy that particularly excites her, Ciara quickly responds: “Seeing more homes, farms, schools, and small businesses embracing renewable technologies, whether that is solar PV, heat pumps, or deep retrofit upgrades — feels like a real shift in mindset. Supported by initiatives from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, energy is no longer something that just ‘comes from somewhere else’.
"People are becoming active participants in how it’s generated, managed, and consumed. There’s something incredibly empowering about that.” From a people perspective, what excites her most is how these innovations are creating entirely new roles and skill sets within the industry.
“As renewable technologies evolve, so too does the need for training, upskilling, and strong leadership. It keeps the sector dynamic, future-focused, and full of opportunity — not just for engineers and installers, but for planners, educators, project managers, and the next generation of diverse talent entering the field. That combination of technological progress and human potential is what makes renewable energy such an inspiring space to be part of.”
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