
WOMEN IN AI & ENERGY TRANSITION DIALOGUE

November 14, 2026 | Akra Antalya, Turkey
KEY THEMES IN OUR DISCUSSIONS
AI and the energy transition are converging faster than the institutions governing them. Our discussions focus on where that convergence creates real choices, and on making sure women are at the table when those choices are made.
01
Power the Intelligence Economy, Sustainably
AI's rising electricity demand is testing grids, supply chains and climate targets at the same time. We examine the mix of renewables, firm power, storage and flexible demand that can support AI growth without locking in new emissions. We also look at how utilities, hyperscalers and investors can move at the speed this requires.
02
Lead Where AI–Energy Decisions Are Made
Grid connection queues, data centre siting, capital allocation and procurement standards are where the future of this sector is being decided. Women remain underrepresented in these rooms. We look at how to change who holds technical, investment and executive authority, not only who is visible on stage.
03
Design AI-Enabled Energy Systems That Serve Everyone
AI-optimised grids and data centres carry trade-offs: for local communities, for energy affordability, and for who benefits from efficiency gains. We explore how diverse perspectives and gender-responsive leadership lead to better design decisions. The goal is a transition that is both faster and fairer.
04
Build the Talent and Allyship the Convergence Needs
The AI–energy workforce is being formed right now, across engineering, data, finance and policy. We highlight practical pathways for women into these roles, and the part male leaders play in opening them up rather than simply endorsing them.
KEY THEMES IN OUR DISCUSSIONS
AI and the energy transition are converging faster than the institutions governing them. Our discussions focus on where that convergence creates real choices, and on making sure women are at the table when those choices are made.
01
Power the Intelligence Economy, Sustainably
AI's rising electricity demand is testing grids, supply chains and climate targets at the same time. We examine the mix of renewables, firm power, storage and flexible demand that can support AI growth without locking in new emissions. We also look at how utilities, hyperscalers and investors can move at the speed this requires.
02
Lead Where AI–Energy Decisions Are Made
Grid connection queues, data centre siting, capital allocation and procurement standards are where the future of this sector is being decided. Women remain underrepresented in these rooms. We look at how to change who holds technical, investment and executive authority, not only who is visible on stage.
03
Design AI-Enabled Energy Systems That Serve Everyone
AI-optimised grids and data centres carry trade-offs: for local communities, for energy affordability, and for who benefits from efficiency gains. We explore how diverse perspectives and gender-responsive leadership lead to better design decisions. The goal is a transition that is both faster and fairer.
04
Build the Talent and Allyship the Convergence Needs
The AI–energy workforce is being formed right now, across engineering, data, finance and policy. We highlight practical pathways for women into these roles, and the part male leaders play in opening them up rather than simply endorsing them.
AGENDA AT A GLANCE
14:00 - 14:10
(10 mins)
Welcome Remarks by Women in Renewables Alliance and Co-host Organizations
14:10 - 14:30 (20 mins)
[Opening Keynote] The AI–Energy Nexus: Building a Resilient, Inclusive and Low-Carbon Intelligence Economy at COP31
14:30 - 14:50 (20 mins)
[Story Sharing] Who Will Lead What Comes Next? Her Story of Breaking Boundaries Across Energy, Technology and AI
14:50 - 15:40 (50 mins)
[Strategic Panel] Powering AI at Scale: Building a Low-Carbon Energy Foundation for the Intelligence Economy
-
How can Europe scale power supply and grid capacity fast enough to meet surging AI demand?
-
What mix of renewables, firm power, storage and flexible demand can support reliable, low-carbon AI infrastructure?
-
How can utilities, hyperscalers and data centre developers accelerate grid connections and infrastructure delivery?
-
How can public and private capital be mobilised to finance the AI–energy buildout at scale?
-
How can the industry ensure women and diverse talent have a meaningful voice in leadership and investment decisions?
-
How can AI infrastructure growth advance both energy security and a more inclusive, sustainable future?
15:40 - 16:00 (20 mins)
[Keynote] Beyond Representation: Women at the Decision-Making Table for the AI–Energy Transition
Coffee Break & Networking
16:30 - 17:20 (50 mins)
[Leadership Panel] Women as Agents of Change: Leading a Gender-Responsive and Socially Just Digital–Energy Future
-
How can women shape the decisions defining the convergence of AI, energy and digital infrastructure?
-
What does gender-responsive leadership look like as AI transforms how energy is generated, managed and consumed?
-
How can diverse perspectives influence the design of AI-enabled grids, data centres and energy systems?
-
What can the AI–energy transition learn from women leading technology, infrastructure and climate innovation?
-
How can organisations build stronger pathways for women into the technical, investment and executive roles driving this convergence?
-
How can inclusive leadership help ensure the AI–energy transformation is not only faster and smarter, but also more equitable and socially just?
17:20 - 17:40
(20 mins)
[Keynote] From Allies to Agents of Change: Men Championing Women’s Leadership in the Energy and Technology Transformation
17:40 - 18:00 (20 mins)
2026 IMPACT Campaigners Certificate Award Ceremony
18:00 - 19:30 (90 mins)
COP31 – Gender Diversity Night
2024 Highlights
2024 Steering Committee


Yisha He
Chairwoman
Women in Renewables Alliance


Anchali Stapornwongkul
Representative
Women Energize Women;German Federal Government


Joanna Osawe
President & CEO
Women in Renewable Energy


Lame Verre
Co-founder, Chair of the advisory board
Lean in Equity and Sustainability


Irene Giner-Reichl
Senior Advisor
Global Women's Network for the Energy Transition
2024 Women Impact Mentors
2024 IMPACT Ambassadors
The 2024 Impact Ambassdor distinction is a prestigious accolade reserved for outstanding female and male industry leaders who have not only achieved remarkable success in their careers but have also exhibited unwavering dedication to promoting a more equitable energy transition.


Eng. Nawal Alhanaee
Director of Future Energy Department
Ministry of Energy & Infrastructure


Dr. Lana El Chaar
Vice President, Talent Management and Capacity Building
ACWA Power


Dr. Vusala Karimova
Deputy Vice President, Development and Production Operations
State Oil Company of the Republic of Azerbaijan


Ju Wang
Secretary General
International Hydrogen Fuel Cell Association


Rosalinde van der Vlies
Clean Planet Director
European Commission


Maryam Rashed Al Mazrouei
Head, Development and Investment (CIS)
Masdar


Dr. Abeer Al-Olayan
Chief Executive Officer
Women and Energy Association


Sarah Alharthey
Executive Manager of Business Development, Chairwoman, Youth Leadership Council
ACWA Power


Boyana Achovski
Secretary General
Gas Infrastructure Europe


Ms. Adriana Pinto
International Policy Expert
Águas de Portugal
2024 Inclusion Accelerators


Irina Gorbounova
Head of Xcarb Innovation Fund
ArcelorMittal Ltd


Alicia Eastman
Co-Host
Everything About Hydrogen; Co-Founder and Board Member, InterContinental Energy
2024 IMPACT Campaigners


Aida Sitdikova
Director, Sustainable Infrastructure Group
European Bank of Reconstruction and Development


Tulika Raj
CEO & Co-Founder
SunGreenH2


Livia Zhang
Project Finance and Investment Manager
ACWA Power


Eliza Chaney
Digital Engagement and Business Development Coordinator
CircularEco


Ivana Fernandes Duarte
Regional Country Manager, South Caucasus
IFC


Asma Saeed Al bahjary
Project Control Manager
UV Energy Consultants


Denisa Fainis
Secretary General
Middle East Solar Industry Association (MESIA)


Selen İnal
Turkey Chapter Co-Lead
Women in Renewable Energy


Michelle Branigan
Chief Executive Officer
Electricity Human Resources Canada


Dalia Samir
Co-Founder & Business Development Director
Hydrogen Egypt


Kiruthika Sadagopan
Lead-Green Hydrogen Business Strategy & BD
Reliance Industries Limited


Yasemin Somuncu
Turkey Chapter Co-Lead
Women in Renewable Energy


Joanna Kay
General Manager
Zero Carbon Hydrogen Australia


Rethabile Serobe
CFO Redstone Solar Thermal Power Plant
ACWA Power




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