Canada’s green energy sector is growing rapidly. It is creating opportunities for innovation, sustainability, and employment. Researchers at the Pembina Institute predict this sector will generate around two million jobs in Canada by 2050. While this job growth is promising, women and gender-diverse individuals remain underrepresented. Although women make up almost half of the workforce, they hold fewer than one in four jobs in renewable energy.
To understand this gap and find solutions, our project team conducted a study on Alberta’s green energy sector. This research aimed to assess women’s participation in the industry and identify strategies to increase their involvement.
Women’s underrepresentation in the green energy sector
Addressing the gender imbalance in the green energy sector is crucial to strengthening Canada’s workforce and helping it meet the growing demands of this vital industry.
The underrepresentation of women in green energy reflects broader systemic issues. For example:
- Women often hold lower-paying, less technical roles within the energy sector.
- Gender stereotypes discourage women from pursuing careers in the science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields.
- Indigenous women, newcomers, and other marginalized groups face additional barriers, such as the bias and stereotyping that disadvantage women from these groups in training, hiring, and career advancement.
Five strategic opportunities for action
Based on our findings, the current landscape in Alberta and Canada reveals five strategic opportunities that can address these barriers women face. We recommend partnerships between industry and non-profit organizations to catalyze action in these areas:
- Improving awareness and exposure to green energy careers for young women, particularly those experiencing lower incomes.
- Cultivating champions to catalyze change at all organizational levels.
- Developing metrics and improving accountability across actors and sectors.
- Improving implementation of industry-partnered child care for the green energy sector.
- Understanding economic reconciliation for partnerships between Indigenous communities and the green energy industry
These actions highlight the critical need for inclusive practices and policies. They ensure that the benefits of green energy extend to everyone, particularly women and marginalized groups.
Creating a sustainable and equitable future
Alberta stands at a crossroads in the transition to a greener future. The rapid growth of green energy jobs presents an unprecedented opportunity to make lasting changes. The choices made now will shape the province’s environmental impact and workforce diversity and equity. By addressing barriers, fostering inclusivity, and promoting collaboration, Alberta can lead the way in creating a sustainable and equitable future.
Take a look at our report and find out how the province can set an example for the rest of Canada and beyond by closing the gender gap in the green energy sector.
Project resources
Strategic Policy Opportunities for Women in Alberta’s Green Energy Sector: Final Report (Feb 2025)
This report presents insights into the current landscape, barriers, opportunities, and policy recommendations to enhance women’s long-term and impactful participation in green energy careers.
It highlights several opportunities and recommendations, including:
- Increasing youth engagement and awareness of green energy careers
- Expanding mentorship programs,
- Strengthening industry and non-profit partnerships,
- Supporting women entrepreneurs with equitable resources,
- Promoting economic reconciliation through Indigenous community leadership in green energy projects
Project sponsor
This project was funded by JPMorganChase.
