Women in Renewable Energy Breaking Leadership Barriers

Alba Sande walks into rooms where she's often the only woman at the table, and she's determined to change that reality for the next generation.

As founder of Asandelegal, a boutique legal practice focused on renewable energy, Sande has spent years navigating an industry where 80% of strategic meetings still involve only men. She's faced the unspoken assumption that mothers can't fully commit to their careers, a bias rarely applied to fathers in the same field.

But Sande sees something her male-dominated industry is just beginning to understand. The energy transition demands innovative thinking and the ability to manage complexity across technical, legal, and social dimensions. Teams that reflect the diversity of the communities they serve make stronger decisions.

After advising major clients at Clifford Chance Madrid, Sande launched her own practice specializing in regulatory support for solar, wind, and storage projects. She holds degrees in law and economics plus a master's in energy, and she's become a vocal advocate for changing how the sector thinks about leadership.

The barriers she's encountered are familiar to many women in technical fields. Women with young children face constant questions about their long-term commitment and availability. They're expected to prove their expertise repeatedly, while male colleagues are assumed capable by default.

Sande's approach has been consistency and results. She's demonstrated that strategic thinking, empathy, and the ability to balance multiple priorities are powerful leadership traits, not weaknesses.

Why This Inspires

The renewable energy sector is racing to solve one of humanity's biggest challenges, and Sande's work shows that diverse perspectives aren't just nice to have. Research confirms that inclusive teams are more resilient, more innovative, and better equipped to navigate the complexity of building a sustainable future.

When professionals feel empowered to contribute fully, retention improves and strategies align better with societal needs. The industry is slowly recognizing that leadership potential isn't tied to fitting a traditional mold or having a particular life circumstance.

Her advice to young women entering the field is direct: believe in your voice from day one. The sector needs critical thinkers and communicators who reflect society's diversity. Being the only woman in the room isn't a limitation.

The energy transition will be built by teams that value varied life experiences, including those shaped by caregiving, because that diversity strengthens problem-solving and resilience.