The Women in Wind Network has been set up to promote professional development, shared learning, and peer support for females operating within the sector.

The new group includes female representatives from a broad array of renewable developers, operators, equipment suppliers and wider supply chain companies, trade associations, consultancies and professional service firms. 

The founders of the Women in Wind Network include Susie Lind, a partner and renewable energy specialist at CMS who is also the current chair of Scottish Renewables and a director of RenewableUK; Lila Vazquez Villamor, head of early phase technical development offshore wind at international energy company Equinor and shadow board member at RenewableUK; and Robyn Pender, senior stakeholder engagement manager at Edinburgh-headquartered independent power producer Nadara.

After Susie and Lila were matched through a RenewableUK Board and Shadow Board mentorship arrangement, the three women devised the idea of launching a group aimed at making it easier for professional females in the renewable energy sector to connect. 

Susie Lind said: “We’re very excited to launch the Women in Wind Network which brings together some of the immense female talent currently operating within the UK wind energy sector. The network is open to women operating at all levels, roles and experiences within the wind sector. Our only requirement is a willingness to connect and support female involvement across the industry and the overwhelming response to the launch shows how much appetite there is to support and celebrate each other.

Robyn Pender added: “Today’s launch of the WIWN is focused on setting out vision, purpose and plans and providing female professionals with an opportunity to meet others across the industry. By promoting shared learnings and building strong networks, we can help drive the growth of this key industry across Scotland.”

Lila Vazquez Villamor commented: “With over 200 women keen to join the launch and 600 already part of our network, we are delighted by the strong start and we are proud to be members of the Women’s Energy Networks Alliance and endorsed by the sectors leading trade associations, Scottish Renewables, RenewableUK and the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC).”