BRUSSELS, Belgium (Wednesday, 1st October 2025): Fundación Generation Spain, Boralex and WISE(IR) - Women in Solar Energy (Ireland) were voted as the Gold, Silver, and Bronze 2025 Solar Diversity Champion Awards Winners.
The panel applauded Fundación Generation Spain’s free solar training programme, which offers technical and soft skills, mentoring and coaching to sections of society that are traditionally left behind. Since 2022, they have provided training to 328 individuals, with 85% of those finding employment within 180 days. Their programme was presented by Estela de la Cruz, Deputy CEO at Fundación Generation Spain.
Estela de la Cruz, Deputy CEO at Fundación Generation Spain, (she/her) said: “While talent is everywhere, opportunities are not equally accessible. This is precisely why, at Generation, we have spent the past 10 years doing something simple but powerful: providing real opportunities to those who need them most. For this reason, our free programmes combine technical training, soft skills, and personalised support through mentorship all the way to employment. Our mission goes beyond reducing emissions: it is about changing lives, restoring dignity, and empowering every person to fully develop their talent.”
According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), women make up 40% of solar PV sector employees – more than in any other energy field. Despite this encouraging figure, significant progress is still needed to strengthen gender and diversity representation at all levels, particularly in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) roles.
Walburga Hemetsberger, CEO of SolarPower Europe, (she/her) said; “We are delighted to name Fundación Generation Spain as the Gold Solar Diversity Champion Award Winner. In a world where Diversity, Equity and Inclusion policies are increasingly coming under threat, the work of companies like Fundación Generation Spain reminds us that a just energy transition must be inclusive for everyone.”
The Solar Diversity Champion Awards celebrate organisations that have demonstrated a clear commitment to building diverse, equitable, and inclusive (DEI) work environments. By recognising such leadership, SolarPower Europe aims to inspire more companies to prioritise DEI, strengthening both the social and innovative fabric of the solar industry.
The jury panel nominated three finalists for the Gold, Silver and Bronze Solar Diversity Champion Awards 2025: Fundación Generation Spain, Boralex, and WISE(IR).
During the Solar Diversity Awards Webinar, award finalists presented their work on inclusivity and diversity to online attendees, and a jury panel. Afterwards, attendees voted for their Gold, Silver, and Bronze Solar Diversity Champion Award Winners.
Corentin Pandoven, Employer Brand Manager and CSR Leader – Diversity & Inclusion represented Boralex. Maeve Delargy, Talent Acquisition and DEI Manager, showcased WISE(IR)’s diversity initiatives.
Boralex was awarded the silver prize by the jury. The company was praised for its initiative that is based on four pillars: training and awareness; employee support; recruitment and talent development; and community engagement and governance. So far, they have trained 92% of their employees on unconscious bias and psychological safety.
Finally, the bronze award was given to WISE(IR). The judges commended them for noticing an imbalance in the industry and acting to do something about it. WISE(IR) runs workshops to equip women with the technical knowledge and soft skills needed to thrive in the solar industry.
Notes:
- The jury panel featured: Tamara Makoni, Founder and CEO, Kazuri Consulting; Sophie Vice, Head of Learning and Development, Sonnedix; and Alan De Bruyne, Global Inclusive Strategist and Consultant.
Questions? Get in touch.
Thérèse O Donoghue
Press and Communications Advisor
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