Celebrating 'Women in Energy'
Women are changing the game when it comes to innovation in sustainable energy. From energy research, to engineering and policy, women are leading the way in delivering Ireland’s energy revolution.
International Women's Day
The theme for International Women's Day 2026 is 'Give to Gain'. This year's theme calls for a mindset rooted in generosity, collaboration and shared progress. 'Give To Gain' highlights the power of reciprocity: when individuals, organisations and communities invest in women, opportunities expand, systems strengthen and societies thrive.
To celebrate this very important date in our calendar, SEAI would like to highlight some inspiring women that are leading the delivery of Ireland’s energy revolution.
Margie McCarthy
Margie McCarthy is Director of Research and Policy Insights at SEAI. She is responsible for the leadership and management of the Research and Policy Insights Directorate including oversight of SEAI RDI activities, modelling and statutory reporting of Ireland's energy statistics and projections, providing strategic energy policy insights and advisory to Government including behaviour analysis.
Energy is literally in every part of our lives, and every part of our society needs energy to have a good standard of living. So, if we really want to drive solutions and overcome barriers, we need a diverse set of people working on the solutions that will drive that accelerated response.
Kara English
Kara English is the Head of the UCD School of Earth Sciences, Associate Professor of Sustainable Geoenergy, Lead of the Sustainable GeoEnergy Research Group, and Director of Stellar Geoscience Ltd consultancy services. Her research interests include the challenges and solutions of the energy transition in Ireland, as well as sedimentology, basin analysis, and integrated reservoir assessment
Hannah Julienne
Hannah Julienne is Programme Manager for Behavioural Economics at SEAI. Ireland's energy transition will require significant behavioural change across all sections of society. SEAI uses behavioural insights to inform our policies and programmes.
Niamh O'Sullivan
Niamh O'Sullivan is the Senior Heat Decarbonisation Specialist at SEAI. She is helping to explore decarbonisation pathways for heating and cooling in Ireland, in line with Ireland's climate targets.
I've always wanted to do something more positive and have a better contribution to the world we live in. I have three children, I think they’d be proud of the work I do. I want them to live in a world like we get to live in’
Divya Rajasekaran
Divya is Programme Executive in Research, Development & Demonstration at SEAI. She is a passionate Polymer researcher with a focus on advancing sustainable solutions through innovative materials and technologies. Her work at SEAI involves overseeing the development and implementation of cutting-edge solutions for energy storage, efficiency, and sustainability.
She collaborates closely with multidisciplinary teams, industry experts, and policymakers to drive energy innovation, fostering an environment where science meets real-world applications.
I initiated SEAI’s “Women in Energy” RDD video series in an effort to increase visibility, empower women in the sector, and inspire more young women to consider careers in energy. I strongly believe that without representation, it is difficult to encourage more young women to join this field, and I am committed to helping build a more inclusive and diverse community.
Chloe Kinsella
Chloe Kinsella is Managing Director of Cenergise, an energy trading and services company. She is also a chartered engineer and gold‑medal graduate of Trinity College Dublin. She has developed profitable trading strategies across multiple commodities within three Irish energy companies and has extensive expertise in the power markets of Ireland, Great Britain and Europe.
