The European Sustainable Energy Week (EUSEW) Awards recognise individuals and projects driving Europe’s clean energy transition. These Awards shine a spotlight on the people and actions in the renewable energy and energy efficiency sectors in three different categories: Innovation, Local Energy Action and Woman in Energy.
The 19th edition of the EUSEW Awards will celebrate these achievements during the Awards Ceremony on 10 June 2025 in Brussels.
The Woman in Energy Award is dedicated to recognising women who have made impactful contributions to Europe’s clean energy transition. This category celebrates leadership, hard work, and initiatives that encourage others to join the journey toward a cleaner energy future.
The call for applications and nominations is open until 30 January 2024.
Learn from our previous finalists
The Woman in Energy Award highlights women’s efforts in creating solutions that help us move closer to our climate goals. These stories showcase the power of women to drive change and inspire leaders in the energy sector.
Apostolina Tsaltampasi (2022)
Apostolina Tsaltampasi is the founder and President of WEnCoop, a women-led energy community in Greece. Her organisation supports women entrepreneurs in building solar parks, tackling energy poverty, and learning about energy efficiency. Apostolina is passionate about helping women gain independence in the energy sector while supporting a sustainable energy transition.
“The idea behind the creation of the energy cooperative was to empower women, regardless of their status, economic background, and educational level, to proceed in the design and implementation of projects that will educate them in terms of energy production, provide them training on energy efficiency and support them in implementing green policies for their businesses,” explains Apostolina.
Silke Wesselmann (2023)
Silke Wesselmann is the Managing Director of energieland2050 e.V., a non-profit climate organisation in the district of Steinfurt. Since 2019, Silke has led Steinfurt’s climate efforts as Head of the District Office for Climate Protection and Sustainability. Under her guidance, the county implemented a 50-point Climate Protection Master Plan 2.0, developed with the University of Applied Sciences Münster. The plan outlines energy measures across electricity, heating, and mobility for Steinfurt’s 24 cities, focusing on energy efficiency, renewable integration, and electrification
Her work brings local businesses, municipalities, and residents together to reach climate neutrality by 2040. Through partnerships and community engagement, Silke is helping translate big climate goals into practical actions for her district.
‘We translate the global targets into local targets and then into action. [...] I feel personally responsible to do something in my region about climate change,’ says Silke.
Françoise Réfabert (2024)
After 25 years in banking, Françoise Réfabert transformed home energy renovation in France by creating third-party financing companies owned by local authorities, making loans accessible to households that might not qualify traditionally. Through the SERAFIN association, launched in 2022, these companies offer zero-interest, long-term loans, with contractors paid directly and repayments starting after work is completed.
In 2023, SERAFIN helped renovate more than 6 000 homes, spending EUR 175 million. This led to an average energy saving of 7.2 MWh per home per year (a 46 % decrease) and a cut of 1.7 tonnes of CO2 emissions per home (a 62 % decrease).
‘I am proud to have contributed to the creation of the SERAFIN network, which brings together public operators who provide integrated solutions to homeowners and condominiums for their energy renovation projects,’ says Françoise.
Feeling inspired? Apply or nominate someone now!
Are you a woman leading a project that supports the clean energy transition? Or do you know someone whose work deserves recognition? The Woman in Energy Award is a platform to highlight your achievements on a European stage, inspire others to take action and build connections and partnerships within the energy community.
Submit your application or nominate someone for the Woman in Energy Award by 30 January 2025.
Learn more about the Awards, read the guidelines and check out the previous years’ finalists in all three categories to find out more.
Details
- Publication date
- 8 January 2025
- Author
- European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency