German regulator empowering women in energy named as finalist of 2026 European Sustainable Energy Awards 

Dr. Nadia Horstmann, a lawyer and head of the International Coordination Energy unit at the German energy regulatory authority Bundesnetzagentur, is shaping the energy transition at national and European level, while championing gender equality, not only by example, but by promoting ​ inclusive practices across the sector. 

Nadia has transformed gender equality from an ad hoc topic into a governance priority within European and international energy regulatory organisations. Her initiatives have increased the visibility of women in regulatory leadership, creating structured mentoring and peer-learning opportunities. Her work has also encouraged regulators to collect, monitor, and reflect on gender-disaggregated data for leadership, expert groups, and speaking roles. 

As well as her role at the German energy regulator, where she coordinates international relations, Nadia also leads key working groups at the Council of European Energy Regulators (CEER), developing policy responses to support renewable integration, decarbonisation, and energy market innovation. 

As a gender equality champion in the sector, she has served as co-chair of the Women in Energy at the International Confederation of Energy Regulators (ICER), and last year launched the Women in Energy initiative at CEER. 

“Embedding gender equality in these initiatives ensures that diverse talent drives innovation, leading to sustainable solutions that advance EU energy and climate goals faster and more inclusively,” Nadia explains. “When these approaches are adopted more widely, they can accelerate the clean energy transition across Europe while fostering a truly equitable energy sector.” 

“I provide visible examples of women excelling in high-impact, future-relevant energy sectors,” says Nadia, adding that she mentors women entering renewable projects, helping them to build technical expertise and professional networks. “Through workshops, university outreach, and participation in industry events, I demonstrate that women are central to shaping Europe’s sustainable energy future. These actions inspire more women to pursue careers in the energy sector, positioning them as innovators and leaders in the clean energy transition.” 

“Nadia’s work has helped to increase awareness on women empowerment and role in decarbonisation activities and strengthen legal certainty across Europe, while tackling one of the greatest challenges of the energy transition: its institutional sustainability,” says her colleague at Bundesnetzagentur, Kimberly Kettermann, who was among those nominating her for the award, adding:  “Nadia exemplifies the new generation of clean energy leaders accelerating the global transition to a low-carbon future.”   

Dr. Nadia Horstmann is one of three finalists shortlisted for the 2026 European Sustainable Energy Awards ​(EUSEW Awards) in the Women in Energy category. The award recognises women who lead outstanding activities that, if replicated, help to advance the clean energy transition in Europe. Particular attention is placed on efforts to drive the gender mainstreaming agenda and support equality and equal opportunities in the energy sector.  

The other finalists in this category two are Donna Gartland from Ireland, and Suzanne Renard from France.  

Donna Gartland is driving Ireland’s transition to low-carbon heat while mainstreaming gender equality in the energy sector. Suzanne Renard leads a national movement that brings together, supports, and finances citizen-led renewable energy projects with an active focus on diversity.  

The winner will be chosen through an online public vote, which is open from now until 31 May, and will be announced at an awards ceremony in Brussels on 9 June 2026. 

EUSEW Awards ​celebrate Europe’s best clean energy projects and leaders   

The European Sustainable Energy Awards ​(EUSEW Awards) recognise outstanding individuals, projects and initiatives that advance Europe’s transition to clean energy. The nine finalists have been selected by a high-level jury in three categories: SMEs Driving Energy Efficiency, Local Energy Action, and Women in Energy. The finalists will be submitted to an online public vote, which is open now until 31 May, and the winners will be announced during the EUSEW Awards Ceremony on 9 June 2026. ​    

​ ​EUSEW 2026   

The European Sustainable Energy Week (EUSEW) is the biggest annual event dedicated to renewables and efficient energy use in Europe, and is organised by the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Energy and the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA) The 20th edition of EUSEW will take place in a hybrid format, onsite in Brussels and online, from 9-11 June 2026. European Sustainable Energy Week consists of a three-day Policy Conference, the European Sustainable Energy Awards Ceremony, the Energy Fair and the activities dedicated to the Young Energy Ambassadors. Participants will also have access to independently organised Sustainable Energy Days, taking place in online and physical formats worldwide, and this call is open till 24 May.   

For updates on the agenda and location of the events, please refer to ec.europa.eu/eusew and the new  European Sustainable Energy Week (EUSEW) page on LinkedIn. Join the conversation any time on social media via #EUSEW2026.