In the energy sector, as in many other industries, issues of diversity and inclusion (D&I) are gaining importance, shaping the future of this strategically important field. In the face of global challenges such as climate change, the need for energy security, and the transformation toward sustainability, the energy sector faces the need to innovate and adapt. In this context, D&I is not just a matter of equal opportunity and social justice, but a key element that can accelerate these changes by introducing new perspectives and solutions.

A New Era in the Energy Industry 

Diversity in the energy industry – encompassing differences in gender, age, ethnicity, cultural background, diversity of skills and perspectives – can contribute significantly to the creativity, innovation and efficiency that are essential to the sector’s growth. Inclusivity, defined as a work environment in which all team members feel valued and engaged, allows diversity to reach its full potential. As the energy sector moves toward a transformation toward cleaner energy sources and sustainable business models, D&I can be a driving force behind this change, helping companies better understand and meet the needs of diverse communities around the world.

The current state of D&I in the energy sector

In terms of diversity and inclusion (D&I) in the energy sector, current statistics draw a picture full of challenges, but also opportunities:

• Globally, 32% of the energy sector workforce are women. / Women in the Energy Sector: Closing the Gender Gap & Driving Change.
• 10 out of 16 companies have reached the 2025 target of 40% women on their boards. / Powerful Women, Annual Report.
• 22% of the energy sector workforce is comprised of racial and ethnic minorities. / EqualBy30 Diversio.
• Only 22% of Asian workers in the energy sector hold executive positions. / NASEO, DIVERSITY IN THE U.S. ENERGY WORKFORCE.
• 50% of White workers in the energy sector strongly believe their company supports their professional growth, higher than the percentages for Asian (41%), Black or African American (44%), Hispanic or Latinx (48%), and Native Hawaiian or Alaska Native (30%) workers. / NASEO, DIVERSITY IN THE U.S. ENERGY WORKFORCE.
• Workers aged 55 and older comprise only 17% of the energy workforce. / NASEO, DIVERSITY IN THE U.S. ENERGY WORKFORCE.
• Around one third (35%) of White respondents in the energy sector hold executive positions, compared to 17% of Black or African American workers. / NASEO, DIVERSITY IN THE U.S. ENERGY WORKFORCE.

These figures point to the need for increased efforts to promote greater diversity and inclusivity in the energy sector, in order to realize the full potential of all demographic groups.

Challenges and Barriers to D&I in the Energy Sector

One of the key diversity, equity and inclusion (D&I) challenges in the energy sector is building workforce teams that reflect the diversity of society. The energy sector must aggressively recruit over the next decade to ensure its workforce keeps pace with the pace of the energy transition, which is essential to accelerate progress in reducing global warming and supporting the energy transition.

Diversity as a Driving Force for Innovation

To truly foster innovation and equality, recruitment must include goals for improving diversity in the energy industry. Employees with diverse backgrounds and life experiences bring unique strengths that help teams solve problems, explore new ideas and create the right environment for innovation to thrive.

Calling for Change and Equality

For example, on International Women’s Day, DNV published an article calling for collaboration to accelerate gender and racial equality to ensure real, lasting change in the energy industry. It pointed out that progress is being made, but there is still much work to be done.

Breaking Down D&I Barriers

The key to breaking down D&I barriers is not only to increase the number of employees from diverse backgrounds, but also to create an inclusive culture that promotes diversity of thought and experience. This means overcoming not only overt but also implicit biases, which can make it difficult to recruit and promote people from minority backgrounds. Mentoring programs, diversity and inclusion training, and actively seeking talent in underrepresented communities can help achieve these goals.

How D&I Contributes to Sector Development 

D&I is critical to the development of the energy sector because it helps promote innovation, increase efficiency and improve business decisions. Companies that effectively implement D&I strategies demonstrate a better ability to solve complex problems while leveraging diverse perspectives and experiences. Diversity in project and decision-making teams fosters creative thinking and leads to the development of more innovative solutions, which is essential in the rapidly changing energy sector.

Diversity’s Impact on Competitiveness and Equity

Incorporating diversity not only strengthens innovation and competitiveness, but also contributes to a more equitable and sustainable work environment. Promoting equality of opportunity and actively seeking to eliminate discrimination makes the energy sector more attractive to talent around the world. This is key to accelerating the energy transition and achieving the global Sustainable Development Goals.

D&I as a Business Strategy

D&I is not just an ethical or moral issue, but a strategic one with a direct impact on the sector’s ability to innovate, adapt and grow over the long term. Companies that engage in D&I better understand the needs and expectations of their diverse customers, allowing them to develop products and services that are more aligned with the global marketplace.

Global Perspective on D&I in the Energy Sector

The Global Perspective on D&I in the Energy Sector emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion for the development of the industry. In developing countries, D&I initiatives focus on ensuring equal access to employment opportunities and developing energy solutions tailored to the needs of local communities. In developed countries, efforts are aimed at promoting diversity at all levels of the organization, from technical staff to management, encompassing gender diversity, ethnicity, sexual orientation and diversity of thought.

Global Commitment to D&I

Energy companies around the world are increasingly recognizing that D&I is key to innovation, competitiveness, attracting talent and improving reputation. Global initiatives such as Equal by 30, aiming for gender equality in the energy sector by 2030, demonstrate a commitment to improving D&I. Embracing global perspectives and initiatives is key to promoting diversity and inclusion in the industry.

D&I as a Strategic Necessity

D&I is not just a moral issue, but a strategic necessity that fosters innovation, economic growth and sustainable development.By taking a global perspective, the energy sector can better address global challenges such as climate change and ensuring access to clean energy for all.These activities underscore the importance of understanding and leveraging diversity at all levels of the organization.

Cultural and Regional Biases

Cultural and regional biases in the energy sector are significant barriers to achieving full diversity and inclusion (D&I).They manifest themselves in a variety of ways, affecting employment policies, hiring practices and promotion opportunities, often marginalizing minorities and women.Outdated gender role stereotypes and ethnic or racial conflicts can limit access to leadership positions for women and affect employment practices and career advancement in various fields.

Breaking Down D&I Barriers in the Energy Sector

To overcome these biases, energy companies and organizations must actively work to build an organizational culture that promotes D&I. Implementing anti-discrimination policies, providing bias awareness training, and creating more transparent and equitable recruitment and promotion processes are key to achieving this goal. Involving local communities in the planning and implementation of energy projects can further help break down biases and increase the acceptance and effectiveness of these projects.

A Global Approach to D&I in the Future of Energy

By taking a global approach to D&I, the energy sector can better address its challenges while building a more sustainable and integrated future.By actively striving to break down cultural and regional biases, not only can full diversity and inclusion be achieved, but D&I also helps promote innovation, increase efficiency and improve business decisions, which is essential for the growth of the energy industry.

Importance of D&I in the energy sector 

The importance of diversity and inclusion (D&I) in the energy sector is crucial for innovation, sustainability and competitiveness.Incorporating diverse perspectives not only enriches decision-making, but also fosters more innovative and flexible energy solutions, which are essential in the face of global climate and energy challenges. D&I contributes to a better understanding of the needs and expectations of diverse groups in society, which is key when implementing new energy technologies and strategies.

D&I as a Key to Efficiency and Change in Energy

Promoting D&I has a positive impact on the work environment, increasing employee engagement and satisfaction, which translates into higher productivity and innovation. In a sector facing challenges such as the energy transition, the need for a diversity of skills, experiences and perspectives is more critical than ever to bring about change in a sustainable and effective way.