International Women’s Day (8 March) is a global celebration of women’s achievements and a call for gender equality across all sectors.

This year, Solar&StorageXtra is recognising the contributions of women in renewable energy and energy storage – where women are driving innovation, shaping policy, and leading transformative projects in the clean energy transition.

To do so, we are celebrating 11 outstanding women who are shaping the renewable energy landscape. These industry leaders will take the stage at the 2025 edition of Solar & Storage Live London, sharing their insights on policy, technology, investment, and community engagement.

 

Naomi Baker, Senior Policy Manager, Energy UK

Naomi Baker leads Energy UK’s work on demand-side response (DSR) and energy storage, having chaired the industry working group that helped develop the Demand Flexibility Service (DFS).

She has since focused on long-duration storage, supporting members with existing and emerging technologies. With an MBA in Strategic Carbon Management, Naomi has extensive experience in sustainability, carbon management, and energy efficiency policy.

At Solar & Storage Live London, she will speak on the panel New materials and technologies redefining long-duration storage capabilities, discussing innovations that improve efficiency, scalability, and sustainability in energy storage.

Clare Bottle, Chief Executive, United Kingdom Warehousing Association

Clare Bottle FCILT is CEO of the UK Warehousing Association and Vice-Chair of Women in Logistics UK. With a background in logistics spanning chemicals, construction, and food & drink, she previously served as Associate Director of Warehousing at Coca-Cola Europacific Partners.

Clare is a champion for sustainability and diversity in warehousing, promoting green technology and renewable energy adoption.

At Solar & Storage Live London, she will speak on The investment case for solar in warehousing opportunities, barriers and how to get started on Day 1, exploring financial benefits, challenges, and practical steps to adopting solar in the logistics sector.

 

Sonia Dunlop, CEO, Global Solar Council

Sonia Dunlop leads the Global Solar Council, representing the global solar PV industry in policy discussions. She previously worked at SolarPower Europe, Solar Energy UK, and E3G, as well as contributing to COP26.

With expertise in renewables, corporate Power Purchase Agreements, and climate finance, Sonia has played a major role in advancing solar policy worldwide.

At Solar & Storage Live London, she will discuss How the Global Solar Council is empowering the solar industry with standardised training, highlighting how global training programs enhance workforce skills, safety, and industry consistency.

 

Deanna Greenhalgh, Director of C&I Development, SAS Energy, EDF Renewables

Deanna Greenhalgh oversees EDF Renewables’ onsite renewable energy projects for commercial and industrial clients. She specialises in project development, risk mitigation, and securing funding for solar systems.

Since joining EDF in 2019, she has helped secure a pipeline of over 70MW of solar projects, focusing on sustainability and cost efficiency.

At Solar & Storage Live London, she will speak on A deep dive into using solar to cut operational costs and meet sustainability goals, outlining how solar energy helps businesses reduce expenses and meet environmental targets.

 

Gemma Grimes, Director of Policy and Delivery, Solar Energy UK

Gemma Grimes has over 15 years of experience in renewable energy policy and project development. She has held leadership roles at RenewableUK, the National Trust, and RWE and is also a town councillor in Wiltshire.

Her expertise spans renewable project development, policy implementation, and industry collaboration.

At Solar & Storage Live London, she will be part of the panel Driving clean power: How the Solar Taskforce is advancing the UK’s 2030 ambitions, discussing the UK’s solar energy goals and policy strategies.

 

Claire Malcomson, Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Mole Valley District Council

Claire Malcomson has led Mole Valley’s climate strategy, securing funding for solar projects, emissions reductions, and renewable energy initiatives.

Under her leadership, the council declared a Climate and Ecology Emergency and has implemented progressive sustainability policies, including the installation of air source heat pumps and solar expansion.

At Solar & Storage Live London, she will speak on Empowering communities with solar: leveraging the UK Shared Prosperity Fund for renewable energy projects, exploring how the UK Shared Prosperity Fund supports community-led renewable energy projects.

 

Rhiannon Morgan-Williams, Partner, Ashfords LLP

Rhiannon Morgan-Williams leads the clean energy real estate practice at Ashfords LLP. She specialises in advising developers, investors, and landowners on solar and battery storage projects.

Her expertise includes project acquisition, development, and financing, ensuring regulatory compliance and contract security in renewable energy investments.

At Solar & Storage Live London, she will speak on Navigating legal challenges in solar projects: when to seek legal advice and best practices for success, providing insights on mitigating legal risks, contract negotiations, and compliance strategies.

 

Charlotte Robinson, Senior Associate (Projects), Burges Salmon LLP

Charlotte Robinson advises on net zero, energy, and sustainable transport projects at Burges Salmon LLP. She works with developers, investors, and energy consumers on power contracts, grid regulations, and renewable energy financing.

Her expertise also includes electric vehicle infrastructure and decarbonisation strategies in transport.

At Solar & Storage Live London, she will join the Day 1 panel Navigating challenges and unlocking opportunities for batteries in the UK, discussing regulatory barriers and market opportunities in battery storage.

 

Clara Segón, Assurance and Assessment Lead, Solar Stewardship Initiative

Clara Segón has 15 years of experience improving sustainability in extractive industries, including performance minerals, biomass, and jewelry. She specialises in responsible sourcing, human rights, and ethical supply chains.

Clara has worked with global corporations and voluntary sustainability standards, advocating for transparency and social responsibility in solar supply chains.

At Solar & Storage Live London, she will speak on Responsible sourcing – how to scale the supply chain in the right way, discussing sustainable strategies for ethical and scalable solar supply chains.

 

Giovanna Speciale, CEO, South East London Community Energy

Giovanna Speciale leads South East London Community Energy, working to expand community-led renewable energy initiatives.

She has extensive experience in sustainability advocacy, local energy projects, and environmental engagement, helping communities reduce their carbon footprint and benefit from solar power.

At Solar & Storage Live London, she will discuss Empowering communities: the role of community energy in a sustainable future, highlighting the economic and environmental advantages of community-led solar projects.

 

Katy Woodington, Community Investment Lead UK & Ireland, RWE Renewables

Katy Woodington manages RWE Renewables’ £5m annual community investment fund, ensuring renewable developments benefit local communities.

She has over 20 years of experience in community engagement, working with stakeholders to maximise the positive impact of renewable projects.

At Solar & Storage Live London, she will join the panel Driving positive impact through unlocking the benefits of commercial solar, discussing strategies for effective community engagement and maximising social impact from solar initiatives.

With the London edition of Solar & Storage Live only weeks away, don’t forget to register for your free ticket and join us at the London ExCeL from 2-3 April 2025 – or find a Solar & Storage Live event closer to home.