Women in Renewable Energy: Driving Change in Solar, E-Mobility, Green Hydrogen and Carbon Markets

Catherine Irura is the Managing Director of SOWITEC Kenya Limited, part of SOWITEC group GmbH, a renewable energy developer of solar, wind and green hydrogen projects, active in Kenya, Zambia and Zimbabwe. She leads efforts to advance green hydrogen investments as the chairperson of the Kenya Green Hydrogen Association and serves as the Secretary of the Electricity Sector Association of Kenya, promoting collaboration and advocacy in the energy sector.

Olga is the Managing Director of Sand River Carbon Ltd., a subsidiary of ClimatePartner Impact GmbH (CPI), where they oversee strategic operations and carbon projects. Prior to this role, Olga served as the CFO at Bettervest GmbH and worked as a Consultant at GIZ GmbH. She also held the position of Coordinator for International Services at the Delegation of German Industry and Commerce. With a strong academic background, Olga holds a Master's in Economics from the University of Heidelberg (Germany) and Montpellier (France) and a PhD in International Relations from the University of Frankfurt am Main (Germany).

Charlotte Hussy is the Head of the German-Kenyan Hydrogen Office and acts as component lead within the H2 Diplo - Decarbonization Diplomacy project implemented by GIZ. Charlotte is also one of the co-founders of the Women in Green Hydrogen (WiGH) Network and acts as a strategy advisor to the WiGH board. Before joining GIZ, Charlotte worked five years as Senior Consultant at Ecofys/Navigant on challenges of the energy transition for private and public clients. Charlotte worked in different positions on projects all over Europe, Africa, Chile and the USA (at the Electric Power Research Institute in Palo Alto). Charlotte completed her studies in power engineering as well as energy and resource management at TU Dresden (BSc), TU Berlin (MSc) and Audencia Grande École in Nantes (France).

Dr. Rethabile Melamu is a sustainability professional and a leader in the green economy sector. She currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the South African Photovoltaic Industry Association (SAPVIA), where she drives initiatives to promote clean energy and sustainable development across the country. Dr. Melamu holds a PhD in Chemical and Environmental Engineering from the University of Cape Town and brings over 18 years of experience in clean energy, environmental sustainability, technology commercialization, and the green economy. Her leadership experience spans several key roles, including Chairperson of the Water Research Commission and Trustee of the Mandela-Rhodes Foundation. She has also provided strategic insight as a Non-Executive Director across multiple private and public sector boards. Additionally, Dr. Melamu has held senior management roles, where she has successfully developed and implemented policies and strategies in energy, sustainability, and technology commercialization. As a thought leader, Dr. Melamu has authored numerous reports and thought leadership pieces on sustainability and green technologies. Her work has been widely recognized; in 2019, she was named one of Mail & Guardian's "Women Who Are Changing South Africa in the Public Sector." In 2024, she was also a finalist in the prestigious Standard Bank Top Women Awards, further underscoring her impact and leadership in the industry.

An insightful and seasoned urban planner professional. Currently working as a programs assistant at Flone Initiative leading the Women in E-Mobility Network. She is passionate about creating impact and incorporating social justice towards achieving sustainable and inclusive urban mobility.