Elisa Asmelash

WOMEN WE ADMIRE

Associate Professional- IRENA

WHICH TECHNOLOGY HAS THE POTENTIAL TO DISRUPT THE CURRENT STATUS QUO IN YOUR FIELD?

Definitely, decentralised energy systems.

VISIONS FOR THE FUTURE OF ENERGY : The future of energy would (and should!) be first of all universal and clean. Efforts should be targeting universal access to energy, increased energy efficiency and the increased use of renewable energy, all crucial to creating more sustainable and inclusive communities and resilience to environmental issues. However, the future of energy should also be smart, creating a world where demand side management is the norm, rather than an exception.

EXCITING CURRENT PROJECTS : My role involves working different projects developing renewable energy roadmaps at global, regional and country-level. However, at the moment the most exciting project is definitely a research on oil and gas companies taking part to the global energy transition and analysis of their strategies, business models and potential future in the transition area.

WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE LIKED TO KNOW WHEN YOU STARTED YOUR CAREER IN ENERGY?
I would have given myself two key advice:

1. Be prepared to be patient, strong and to feel confident of my potentials. As women in the energy sector we constantly need to prove what we know and our value and that we deserve the position we have, as well as equal opportunities as our fellow male colleagues.

2. Find a mentor in the energy field who can give guidance, feedback and advice.

IF INVITED TO SPEAK IN AN ENERGY EVENT, WHAT ARE THE TOPICS YOU WOULD PLAN TO SPEAK ABOUT?
Perhaps something related to the projects I am currently working on.