Progress towards gender balance in the UK energy sector has stalled, and reversed in some areas, according to new analysis published by POWERful Women (PfW).
The Annual State of the Nation 2026 report shows female representation on the boards of the UK’s top 100 energy companies has moved up to 31%, from 30% last year. But it is “an uptick that masks deeper concerns about the direction of travel”, it said.
According to the study, 22 boards removed at least one woman in the last 12 months, up from just 5 in the previous year, and the number of all-male boards increased from 12 to 13. As a result, the industry is off-track to achieve the PfW’s 40% target by 2030.
The report highlights a “growing disconnect between progress in the talent pipeline and outcomes at the top of organisations”, it said.
Female representation at leadership level has increased to 36%, up from 34% last year, with the number of companies meeting PfW’s 40% leadership target rising from 8 to 14.
But this has not translated into improved board representation, suggesting that barriers now sit at the point of appointment and progression into the most senior roles.
At the same time, progress in middle management has stalled entirely, with female representation remaining static at 34% for the second consecutive year, with just 5 companies reaching the 40% middle management target.
The analysis shows that representation varies significantly across senior roles. Women now hold 21% of executive director roles – up 1% – and 25% of CTO roles.
Yet key operational roles linked to progression to CEO positions have seen declines, including CFOs falling to 15%, down 3%, and COO roles have declined to 13%, a reduction of 4%.
The report also warns that failure to improve gender balance will have wider implications for the sector, including increasing competition for talent in an expanding workforce, greater regulatory scrutiny, and reputational risks.
It concludes that women remain under represented in the operational, profit-and-loss roles most commonly associated with advancement to the top of organisations.
Monica Collings OBE, Chair of POWERful Women, said:
“At first glance, this year’s data may look stable. But beneath that flat headline is a story that should concern every leader in the energy sector.
“We are seeing real progress in some areas, particularly in leadership roles. But this is not translating into change at board level – and in too many cases, progress is reversing.
“This is a wake-up call. With four years to go to our 2030 target, the sector must act now to remove the barriers that prevent women from progressing into the most senior roles and to build a stronger, more inclusive pipeline for the future.”
Miya Paolucci, POWERful Women Leaders’ Coalition Chair and ENGIE UK CEO, commented:
“Across the Energy Leaders’ Coalition, we know that progress comes when leadership is visible, deliberate and sustained.
“This report is a reminder that diversity does not improve through aspiration alone. It improves when companies track it, own it and act on it.”
Chris McDonald MP, Minister for Industry in the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), added:
“Delivering our clean energy mission requires talent, innovation and leadership from across Britain’s energy sector – and a diverse and inclusive workforce is the key.
“It is vital that the sector act now to drive forward progress on gender representation, as we pave the way for the next generation of clean energy workers and leaders to take advantage of new opportunities in this fast-expanding sector.”
Report graphic courtesy of PfW
