Accelerate Action: Women Leading Energy. Yasmin Ali, Project Development Manager for Batteries at RWE 

Yasmin Ali on Pioneering the Energy Transition

As we celebrate International Women’s Day, Spencer Ogden is proud to launch Accelerate Action: Women Leading Energy, a campaign highlighting the achievements of women making a significant impact in the energy sector. Through this initiative, we are sharing career conversations with some of the trailblazing professionals in the industry, some of which were featured in our 100 Brilliant Women in Renewable Energy list. By amplifying their stories, we aim to inspire the next generation of leaders and celebrate the invaluable contributions of women in the industry. 

One such leader is Yasmin Ali, a Project Development Manager for Batteries at RWE. With a career that has spanned fossil fuels, government energy initiatives, and now large-scale energy storage, Yasmin is a driving force behind the energy transition. She is also the author of Power Up: An Engineer’s Adventures into Sustainable Energy, a book aimed at demystifying the energy sector for non-technical readers. In this conversation, she shares her journey, insights, and vision for the future of renewable energy. 

From Fossil Fuels to Renewables: Yasmin’s Journey 

Yasmin’s introduction to the energy sector came during a summer work placement at a gas-fired power station. This experience gave her a firsthand understanding of energy’s critical role in modern society. Her early career saw her working across coal, oil, and gas, but a growing passion for sustainability led her to pivot towards the energy transition. 

“The switch was more challenging than I expected,” Yasmin reflects. “It took nearly a year to find another role, and I had to start from a more junior position. But looking back, I’m glad I made the move.” 

Since then, she has worked on government-led energy innovation programmes, developed green hydrogen projects, and now focuses on battery storage solutions at RWE. 

Inspiration and Motivation 

Although Yasmin’s entry into energy was somewhat serendipitous, she quickly realised the sector’s societal importance. “As professionals, we have a responsibility to shift the energy system from fossil fuels to renewables,” she says. “That mission motivates me every day.” 

Beyond her own work, she has dedicated herself to public engagement—delivering over a hundred talks, writing for major publications, and appearing on TV and radio to make energy topics more accessible. 

Career Milestones and Challenges 

When asked about her proudest career achievements, Yasmin doesn’t single out a particular project. Instead, she highlights the success of those around her. “I’m most proud when I see my team members progressing in their careers, knowing I played a part in their development.” She also takes pride in publishing Power Up, a feat that required immense patience and perseverance alongside her demanding career. 

However, challenges have been part of the journey too. Breaking into renewables after years in fossil fuels was not easy, but she credits her resilience and professional network for helping her navigate the transition. 

Driving Change: Women in Energy 

Yasmin believes that increasing female representation in energy requires more than just hiring more women - it’s about creating truly inclusive workplaces. “In government, I saw some great initiatives like job shares for senior positions and all roles being advertised as part-time,” she notes. “At RWE, we’ve introduced 12-week paternity leave, which is a great step toward leveling the playing field for career breaks.” 

She hopes to see a cultural shift over the next decade, ensuring that diversity and inclusion remain at the forefront of industry evolution. 

Advice for Aspiring Professionals in Energy 

For those looking to enter the energy space, Yasmin’s advice is clear: build a strong support network. “Surround yourself with trusted people—both within and outside your company—who can offer guidance when you face challenges.” 

Exciting Industry Innovations and Trends 

As an energy storage professional, Yasmin is particularly interested in the evolution of long-duration energy storage solutions. “Whether it’s batteries, pumped hydro, or another innovation, I’m eager to see which technology becomes the frontrunner,” she says. 

She is also intrigued by developments in green hydrogen, particularly the electrolysis of saltwater, which could solve fresh water supply issues in hydrogen production. Additionally, she is closely watching how the industry tackles rising energy demands from data centres and decarbonising domestic heating in the UK. 

Accelerating Action for a Sustainable Future 

This year’s International Women’s Day theme, Accelerate Action, resonates with Yasmin. “Accelerating action on the energy transition is critical, and to even get close to achieving it, we need participation from everyone in society - including women.” 

As for role models, Yasmin credits a long list of inspiring women in energy, including colleagues at RWE and pioneers in green hydrogen development. “I have worked with and been guided by some incredible role models: Fiona Auty, who heads up the company's power station decarbonisation, Gill Hunter, who leads the UK environment team, and the women pushing green hydrogen forward in the UK:

• Louise McDonnell
• Zoe Harrison
• Nicole Tang
• Cara Yates
• Karen Fox
• Claire Woodward
• Jasmine Ng
• Erika Sicad
• Amy Bradley
• Becky Simpkins.”  

Final Thoughts: Communication is Key 

Yasmin concludes with a powerful message: “Public engagement is a critical piece of the energy transition. We need people to understand what’s being done and why - and to actively participate in the conversation.” 

Her story is a testament to the power of resilience, advocacy, and passion for a sustainable energy future. As we celebrate International Women’s Day, we recognise the trailblazers like Yasmin Ali who are accelerating action and shaping the future of renewable energy. 

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.