Accelerate Action: Women Leading Energy. Pooja Shah, Senior Consultant at DNV
As we continue our "Accelerate Action: Women Leading Energy" series in celebration of International Women’s Day, we are proud to highlight the stories of remarkable women shaping the energy sector. In this instalment, Ella Cann, Manager for Renewable Energy in our Denver office, interviews Pooja Shah, Senior Consultant in the Renewables and Power Grids Advisory at DNV, discussing her career journey, achievements, and insights into increasing female representation in the industry.
Introduction to Pooja Shah
When Pooja first entered the energy sector, the intersection of engineering and finance in renewables was still evolving. Now a Senior Consultant at DNV, she plays a crucial role in managing technical and financial risk for solar and energy storage projects. “My team conducts technical due diligence to support project development and finance, ensuring projects operate safely and reliably while meeting their performance and revenue expectations” she explains. Having spent three years at DNV and nearly eight years in the industry, Pooja has navigated a path that blends technical expertise with financial acumen.
Her Path into the Energy Sector
Growing up in India, where coal was the dominant energy source, Pooja was acutely aware of the environmental impact of greenhouse gas emissions. "From a young age, I saw clean energy as a key solution to climate change," she shares. This passion led her to pursue an undergraduate degree in Power Electronics, eventually moving to the U.S. for a master’s in Energy Systems Engineering at Syracuse University, focusing on renewable energy.
Her early career at Kiewit Engineering placed her at the forefront of emerging renewables. "I was part of their growing renewables team, working on some of the first solar and energy storage projects in the U.S.," she recalls. Gaining hands-on field experience, she soon realised the importance of understanding both the technical and financial sides of projects. A fellowship with the Clean Energy Leadership Institute broadened her expertise in policy and finance, setting her up for her current role at DNV, where she bridges the gap between engineering and financial analysis.
Achievements and Career Highlights
One of Pooja’s proudest accomplishments is her contribution to large-scale renewable energy projects. "I’ve had the privilege of working on some of the largest and most innovative renewable energy projects in North America, impacting local communities positively," she says. But beyond the technical successes, mentorship stands out as a defining aspect of her career. "Seeing young professionals I’ve mentored thrive and also become my colleagues is deeply rewarding. Many people supported my journey, and I believe in paying it forward."
Challenges in the Energy Industry
Like many women in energy, Pooja has encountered hurdles. "Early in my career, I was often the only woman in the room," she notes. At times, her ideas were overlooked - only to be acknowledged when repeated by someone else. She also struggled with a common confidence gap: "I hesitated to apply for roles unless I met every requirement. Over time, I built confidence in my voice, thanks to mentors and sponsors who guided me through these challenges."
Increasing Female Representation in Energy
Pooja believes that increasing female representation requires a multi-faceted approach. "Improving hiring and recruitment efforts is just the start. Retention is equally important—creating an inclusive culture where women feel supported is key," she emphasises. Mentorship and sponsorship programs, she argues, can be transformative in helping women advance into leadership roles. "We also need policies that promote work-life balance to make the industry more accessible for women at different career stages."
Final Thoughts and Advice
For women aspiring to grow within the energy industry, Pooja offers clear advice: "Believe in yourself and apply for opportunities, even if you don’t meet every requirement. Seek out mentors and sponsors who can advocate for you. Most importantly, stay curious—there are so many paths in this industry, and each step expands your impact on the energy transition."
Pooja’s journey is a testament to the power of determination, mentorship, and continuous learning. As we celebrate the achievements of women in energy, we hope her story inspires the next generation of leaders to pursue impactful careers in the sector.
Celebrate With Us:
To learn more about our Accelerate Action: Women Leading Energy series or to nominate an inspiring individual in the industry for our ongoing Career Conversations: Powering A Sustainable Future series view our intro piece here.
