The energy transition is not only technical and policy-driven; it is inherently shaped by gender.
Women play a vital role as global energy consumers and producers. Despite their active participation to the global energy sphere, women remain underrepresented in the energy workforce. According to a report by the International Energy Agency (IEA) in 2024, women made up only one-fifth of energy positions, with women’s share of leadership roles in the energy sector accounting for 18% (up from 13% in 2015).
While such numbers pose a daunting prospect for the reality of the women’s workforce in energy, women have always been involved in innovating and shaping future energy landscapes.
‘Voice of Hydrogen’ from the International Hydrogen Ramp-Up Programme (H2Uppp) brought together eleven voices of women who lead, shape and support the advancement of energy and green hydrogen industries in Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam. These voices include:
- Amanda How, Delegation Manager of the Malaysian-German Chamber of Commerce & Industry (MGCC). Her story exemplifies women in a communication position who promote international relations and cooperation-building in the energy and hydrogen sector.
- Dr Sumittra Charojrochkul, Director of the National Energy Technology Center (ENTEC), shared her experiences as a mother and one of the leading women experts in Thailand’s hydrogen and energy sector.
- Nguyen Thi Minh Hue, Project Director at Climate Innovation Consulting and Service, Klinova in Vietnam, reflected on progress and opportunities to further enhance inclusion and equality for women in the hydrogen field.
- Noraziah Muda, Head of the Renewable Energy and Green Technology Unit at TNB Research Sdn. Bhd. From her research on carbon capture innovations to leading national hydrogen and green energy initiatives in Malaysia, Noraziah shared her journey and perspective on the roles and career paths of women in energy.
- Nongnapat Saisuthi, currently Strategy and Business Development Director at Chandra Asri Company (Ltd.) in Indonesia. A veteran in the energy and hydrogen business, her voice mirrors both the experience and representation of women who have long been driving the sector.
- Duong Vu, a mother of three and one of the ‘green renewable developers’ at ENERTRAG in Vietnam. Her story highlights the challenges faced by working women in their efforts to balance motherhood and leadership roles in Vietnam’s energy sector.
- Shinta Kamdani, CEO of SINTESA GROUP and Chairperson of the Indonesian Employers Association (APINDO). As a veteran in the frontline of energy security development for Indonesia and the ASEAN region, her perspective underscored how an inclusive work environment is essential to women in this sector.
- Winnie Huyh, CEO and Founder of the Green Solutions Group, with years of experience in Vietnam’s energy industries. Ms Huynh’s interview reflected on some of the challenges and key attributes that could help young women thrive as professionals in this growing industry.
- Dr Liana Christiani, Hydrogen Senior Consultant at TÜD SÜD Indonesia. Dr Liana shared her experience and perspectives on women’s leadership in green hydrogen and how leaders like her could create positive impacts by elevating women as changemakers in the industry.
- Emma Sri Martini, CFO at Pertamina Holding, spoke of her vision as a woman leader in Indonesia’s energy sector on the future of green hydrogen.
- Dr Jiraprabha Kimsunthorn, First Assistant of Special Project Support for Power Plants at B.Grimm Power plc. As a university professor and working at one of Thailand’s leading private electricity producers and distributors, Dr Jiraprabha shared her perspective on the career opportunities for women in Thailand.
In March, as we celebrate International Women’s Day 2026, we would like to share a final summary video, highlighting key messages from all the voices featured throughout the series:
As more women are entering the sectors in STEM, and management and leadership roles, we hope the views shared by the women veterans in energy and green hydrogen in this series can contribute to creating a more inclusive and resilient work landscape for everyone.
Ultimately, the true success of the energy transition and climate action is a sustainable energy future accessible to all.
To watch ‘Voice of Hydrogen’ series, please click on the link here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLrX3dMeLWEqMhT8Nkd8k6F6fVMIjm41qc
The H2Uppp programme, financed by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE), is implemented globally. In Thailand, GIZ implements the project together with the German-Thai Chamber of Commerce (GTCC), with the aim of supporting policy and market development for green hydrogen and Power-to-X through expert networking, knowledge dissemination and public-private partnerships (PPP).
More information about the H2Uppp programme: https://www.thai-german-cooperation.info/international-hydrogen-ramp-up-programme-h2uppp/
