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Women driving the energy transition in Europe are gaining increasing influence. Yet more women should pursue careers in the energy sector. With the 2026 European Sustainable Energy Award, the European Union aims to recognize individuals and initiatives.

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From Germany, Nadia Horstmann, a regulatory expert at the Federal Network Agency (Bundesnetzagentur, BNetzA), has been nominated for this award in the "Women in Energy" category. The other finalists in this category are Donna Gartland from Ireland and Suzanne Renard from France.

The award honors women who, through outstanding activities, contribute to advancing the energy transition in Europe. Special emphasis is placed on efforts to promote gender equality and equal opportunities in the energy sector.

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Public Voting Until May 31

The winner among the three finalists will be determined by public vote (https://interactive.eusew.eu/platform/eusew-2026/awards/). Voting runs until May 31. The winner will be announced on June 9, 2026, at an awards ceremony in Brussels.

Nadia Horstmann heads the "International Energy Coordination" division at BNetzA. Her role involves the energy transition at national and European levels – but that's not all: through structured mentoring initiatives, she is driving another transformation by helping women in leadership positions at regulatory authorities gain greater visibility.

In addition to her work at the Federal Network Agency, Nadia Horstmann leads key working groups at the Council of European Energy Regulators (CEER) and develops political strategies and measures to promote renewable energy, decarbonization, and innovation in the energy market.

As an advocate for gender equality in the energy sector, she is co-chair of the "Women in Energy" initiative at the International Council of Energy Regulators (ICER). In 2025, she launched the "Women in Energy" initiative at CEER.

“Embedding gender equality at these levels ensures that diverse talent drives innovation, leading to sustainable solutions that advance the EU’s energy and climate goals more quickly and inclusively,” explains Nadia Horstmann in a statement. “If these approaches are applied more widely, they can accelerate the energy transition across Europe while promoting a truly equitable energy sector.”

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Getting involved in renewable energy projects

“I highlight specific examples of women who are excelling in influential, future-oriented energy sectors,” Horstmann explains, speaking about her work. In particular, she mentors women who are entering the renewable energy sector. Her aim is to help them build technical expertise and professional networks. “Through workshops, outreach at universities, and participation in industry events, I am showing that women play a central role in shaping Europe’s sustainable energy future. These efforts inspire more women to pursue careers in the energy sector and position them as innovators and leaders in the energy transition.”

The European Sustainable Energy Awards (European Sustainable Energy Awards-EUSEW Awards) recognize individuals, projects, and initiatives in three categories: SMEs as drivers of energy efficiency, local energy initiatives, and women in the energy sector.

Voting is possible via the following link: https://interactive.eusew.eu/platform/eusew-2026/awards/

EUSEW2026

The European Sustainable Energy Week (EUSEW) is Europe's largest annual event dedicated to renewable energy and efficient energy use, organized by the European Commission's Directorate-General for Energy and the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA).

This year marks the 20th edition of EUSEW. It will take place from June 9 to 11 in a hybrid format, both in-person in Brussels and online. The European Sustainable Energy Week includes a three-day conference, the European Sustainable Energy Awards ceremony, an energy fair, and activities for young energy ambassadors.

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