The panel applauded Fundación Generation Spain’s free solar training programme, which offers technical and soft skills alongside mentoring and coaching to traditionally underrepresented groups. Since 2022, the programme has trained 328 individuals, with 85 percent securing employment within 180 days. Estela de la Cruz, Deputy CEO of Fundación Generation Spain, presented the initiative.
Estela de la Cruz, Deputy CEO of Fundación Generation Spain, said: “Our mission goes beyond reducing emissions; it is about changing lives, restoring dignity, and empowering every person to fully develop their talent.”
Growing skills gap in a booming solar job market
According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), women make up 40 percent of the solar PV workforce – the highest representation in any energy sector. Nevertheless, significant progress is still needed to improve gender and diversity representation at all levels, particularly in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) roles.
Making the energy transition inclusive for all
Walburga Hemetsberger, CEO of SolarPower Europe: “In a world where diversity, equity and inclusion policies are increasingly coming under threat, the work of companies like Fundación Generation Spain reminds us that a just energy transition must be inclusive for everyone.”
The Solar Diversity Champion Awards celebrate organisations that have shown a clear commitment to building diverse, equitable and inclusive (DEI) working environments.
The jury panel nominated three finalists for the Gold, Silver and Bronze Solar Diversity Champion Awards 2025: Fundación Generation Spain, Boralex and WISE(IR).
Hybrid skills – the key to Europe’s solar boom
Boralex was recognised for its initiative built on four pillars: training and awareness, employee support, recruitment and talent development and community engagement and governance. To date, 92 percent of its employees have completed training on unconscious bias and psychological safety.
The judges commended WISE Ireland (Women in Solar Energy) for identifying an imbalance in the industry and taking action to address it. The organisation runs workshops to equip women with the technical knowledge and soft skills needed to succeed in the solar sector. (hcn)
