Accelerate Action: Women Leading Energy. Rebecca Groundwater, Head of External Affairs at the Energy Industries Council (EIC)
Spencer Ogden’s ‘Accelerate Action: Women Leading Energy’ series, celebrates the achievements of women who are shaping the future of the energy sector. Throughout this campaign, we have spoken with trailblazing professionals, sharing their insights, challenges, and triumphs to inspire the next generation.
For our final piece in this series, Emily Abbott, Senior Marketing Manager at Spencer Ogden shares Rebecca Groundwater’s story, Head of External Affairs at the Energy Industries Council (EIC). With a career at the intersection of politics and energy, Rebecca’s journey - from advising policymakers in Scotland, Westminster, and Brussels to advocating for the global energy supply chain - has given her a unique perspective on the industry’s evolving challenges and opportunities. She discusses the realities of the energy transition, the need for greater inclusivity, and why meaningful action is crucial in driving real progress.
A Career Rooted in Policy and Advocacy
Raised in the Highlands of Scotland, Rebecca was acutely aware of the energy sector’s role in her community. “We were very dependent on the industry for jobs and stability,” she reflects. Experiencing the sector’s highs and lows firsthand shaped her understanding of energy’s economic and social impact.
After completing a degree and master’s in librarianship - an unexpected foundation for a career in energy - she moved into politics. Working for MPs, MSPs, and MEPs across different parliaments, Rebecca developed expertise in policymaking and community engagement. “After what felt like a relentless run of elections - council, Scottish, UK, and two referendums - I was ready for a new challenge.” Transitioning into the energy sector was a natural fit, combining her policy background with her desire to drive meaningful change.
Bridging the Gap Between Old and New Energy
Rebecca’s work at the EIC spans the entire energy supply chain, from fossil fuels to cutting-edge renewable technologies. She sees immense value in the industry’s evolution. “Renewables are the future, but right now, many companies are still reliant on fossil fuels because there simply isn’t enough work in renewables yet,” she explains. “I like that balance - the old and the new growing together.”
However, she acknowledges the public narrative often paints a stark contrast between traditional and renewable energy. “The conversation is frequently framed as ‘good versus bad,’ which oversimplifies a very complex transition. That’s part of the challenge - helping policymakers and the public see the bigger picture.”
Proudest Achievements and Industry Impact
Rebecca has met three presidents and worked at the highest levels of policy-making, but her proudest moments come from shifting perceptions. “I see real progress when I sit down with policymakers, NGOs, and industry leaders, and we bring in our incredible companies to explain their work,” she shares. “When the realisation dawns - that this transition is complex and requires the expertise of our supply chain - I know we’re making a difference.”
Challenges as a Woman in Energy
While she has encountered obstacles, Rebecca is a firm believer in learning from every experience. “There have been challenges, of course. But if you have the space to reflect, even the difficult moments can teach you something valuable,” she notes.
Increasing Female Representation in Energy
Rebecca is passionate about engaging young women in energy, but she believes outreach needs to start earlier. “A lot of STEM initiatives target girls in secondary school, but by then, many have already decided what they’re interested in. We need to engage them in primary school, to show them from the start that this industry isn’t just for boys.”
She also raises an important point about the broader conversation on gender equity. “We’ve sometimes made diversity a ‘women’s issue’ rather than bringing everyone along in the discussion. If we’re serious about increasing female leadership, we need to address the structural barriers, things like childcare and work-life balance, not just talk about representation.”
Advice for the Next Generation
Rebecca’s advice to those entering the energy sector is simple: just go for it. “Don’t be intimidated by the technical side or the endless acronyms - energy loves its jargon! Skills are transferable, and knowledge can be learned.”
She also encourages women to seek mentors. “Find the women who are leading the way. They may not always be the loudest voices in the room, but they’re there, and they want to help. We’ve all made mistakes, and we want to share those lessons.”
Exciting Trends and the Road Ahead
With a global view of the industry, Rebecca sees promise in all emerging technologies but emphasises the importance of execution. “Every innovation has the potential to be game-changing, but we have to get it right.”
Accelerating Action in Energy
This year’s International Women’s Day theme, ‘Accelerate Action,’ resonates with Rebecca. “We talk a lot about progress, but at some point, those conversations need to drive real change. We also need to acknowledge where current initiatives might have unintended consequences and challenge ourselves to improve them.”
Inspirational Figures and Final Reflections
Rebecca is grateful for the strong women she has worked alongside, highlighting Amanda Duhon and Clarisse Roche, EIC’s Regional Directors in Houston and Rio. “They are leading the way in their regions, and it’s inspiring to see.” She also credits a mentor from the oil and gas sector for guiding her early career. “He was a huge support -someone to whom I owe a lot.”
As a final thought, Rebecca highlights the power of conversation. “There are always challenges in any career. Find people who challenge and inspire you, and don’t be afraid to ask for a chat. Half an hour over a cup of tea can make a world of difference.”
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.
