Energy lies at the core of today’s most pressing global issues, from the critical need for climate change adaptation to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and closing the gap in technology access. As a driving force behind sustainable development, it plays a crucial role in shaping the future of societies worldwide. The rapid expansion of the energy sector brings it into critical intersections with social, economic, and environmental spheres. Yet, despite its growing importance, a clear gender gap persists in participation and decision-making processes. According to a 2023 International Energy Agency (IEA) report, women comprise just 39% of the global workforce. In the energy sector, that number plummets to less than half, with women glaringly missing from decision-making roles. The disparity is stark—151 women in energy leadership roles compared to 404 men, a nearly 1:3 gap. For Thailand does its public energy sector break from this global pattern, or does it merely echo the same old story?
This edition of SDG Insights explores the topic through an in-depth conversation with Dr Areeporn Asawinpongphan and Dr Charika Channuntapipat, both esteemed academics at the Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI). Dr Areeporn specialises in energy policy, while Dr Charika focuses on business operations and sustainable development. Together, they bring unique perspectives on womens evolving role and participation in the energy sector, particularly from an academic viewpoint. Their insights not only highlight the importance of gender diversity but also suggest pathways to create more inclusive, equitable work environments where women can thrive and contribute to the sector’s progress on both national and global stages.
The Beginning, Experiences, and Learning of Female Academics in the Energy Sector
Dr Areeporn Asawinpongphan’s career spans over 20 years in the energy sector. Although now she is an academic specialising in energy policy, her early career was rooted in the private sector. Her first role was with ExxonMobil, a multinational corporation in the natural gas and oil industry. ExxonMobil functioned as a global service centre, and Dr Areeporn was tasked with process improvement, focusing on analysing energy systems and identifying ways to enhance operational efficiency. She adapted these global experiences to the context of Thailand, working alongside engineers and technical experts for over eight years.
Her time at ExxonMobil gave her a comprehensive understanding of the energy sector’s operations, and this experience laid the groundwork for her transition to Banpu Public Company Limited. At Banpu, she took on a significant role in long-term strategic energy planning, covering electricity, coal, and emerging technologies in over ten countries. Dr Areeporn emphasised that having a strong foundation from her initial role enabled her to apply technical knowledge and strategic thinking in real-world scenarios, contributing to her success during another eight years at Banpu.
Later, she joined McKinsey & Company, a global consulting firm, where she spent two years working in Indonesia, gaining international experience within the energy sector. Today, Dr Areeporn is a key academic figure at the Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI), where her extensive expertise in the energy field has earned her widespread respect and recognition.
In the interview, she commented, “Building credibility takes time. We cannot expect others to trust us just because we claim expertise. We must have data and evidence to support our claims”. This sentiment reflects her belief that, even without a formal technical or engineering background, her accumulated experience allowed her to navigate the complexities of the energy sector effectively.
Following Dr Areeporn’s insights, Dr Charika Channuntapipat, also from TDRI, shared her perspective as an academic specialising in business operations and sustainable development. Dr Charika, with a background in accounting, has taken a unique approach to sustainability, recognising that energy is no longer a standalone technical issue but a central component of business strategy. Her work focuses on bridging the gap between the energy sector and the business world, where companies are increasingly aware of the need to manage their energy consumption and transition to renewable energy sources to meet both economic and environmental objectives.
Dr Charika’s involvement in the energy sector comes from her role as a key advocate for integrating sustainable business practices into energy discussions. She believes businesses are essential in driving the transition towards a more sustainable energy future, as they can innovate and invest in green technologies. “Today’s companies,” she explains, “are not just thinking about profits; they are thinking about how their energy use impacts the environment in the long term.” Her work has highlighted the growing recognition in the business community that sustainability is not just a responsibility but a strategic advantage.
Her influence stretches beyond academic theory. Dr Charika actively engages with corporate leaders, encouraging them to embrace energy efficiency, renewable technologies, and responsible business practices. By doing so, she has played a pivotal role in shaping corporate strategies that align with global energy goals. Through her leadership, she has demonstrated how the business sector can contribute to the energy transition, not just as consumers but as innovators.
Challenges and Skills Female Researchers Need in the Energy Sector
When asked whether gender has posed challenges in her career, Dr Charika shared that, in the academic field, challenges do not typically stem from gender. She noted that academics often share the common goal of fostering positive change, which cultivates mutual respect regardless of gender. As a result, she has not personally encountered direct gender-based discrimination. Regardless, she acknowledged that building credibility and recognition in academia can be exceptionally demanding for women, especially when compounded by physical challenges. Dr Charika believes that organisations must raise awareness and implement policies that boost gender balance, materialising targets for equal representation to demonstrate their dedication to gender equality.
Dr Areeporn expanded on Dr Charika’s statement by pointing out that certain roles within the energy sector, such as those in refineries or offshore oil rigs, can be physically taxing or even hazardous for women. This, she clarified, is not a reflection of gender inequality but rather concerns related to safety and appropriateness for the job. Nevertheless, these physical demands are within women’s intellectual capabilities and expertise in the sector. The challenge, Dr Areeporn observed, lies in how organisations can support women’s growth and success in other critical areas of the energy industry.
Today, gender equality in the energy sector has made significant progress, with women comprising a close to equal proportion of the workforce to men. However, there remains a noticeable gap in senior leadership positions, posing an ongoing challenge for organisations to increase women’s representation in decision-making roles. Dr Areeporn stressed the importance of creating teams that integrate specialised knowledge across disciplines and noted that future efforts should encourage more women to pursue education in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields. By entering STEM, women can build the technical expertise that is increasingly essential in the energy sector, giving them more chances to take on leadership roles and drive innovation in a rapidly evolving industry.
Balancing Work and Personal Life as a Female Academic
Though both women enjoy their work as academics, life inevitably extends beyond the professional realm. When asked how she balances her personal life with her career, Dr Areeporn candidly admitted that it was a significant challenge in the early stages of her career, particularly when she had to take care of her parents. At that time, her consulting work in the energy sector demanded tremendous dedication and focus. Despite these demands, she gradually learned how to balance her roles, carefully allocating time for her family and her personal well-being. This balance, she noted, is an ongoing process that requires self-awareness and discipline. Her journey serves as a reminder that, while achieving balance is challenging, it is possible with persistence, and maintaining personal well-being is essential for long-term professional success.
Dr Charika, on the other hand, shared that while she does have a family, she does not face the challenges of raising children, which often adds additional layers of responsibility. However, she acknowledged the physical challenges that many women face monthly, which can impact their work in various ways. Her experience highlights that support systems, whether at home or within the workplace, are imperative in facilitating women to pursue their ambitions while maintaining a healthy personal life.
Both women exemplify the strength and determination required to navigate the complexities of academia while maintaining personal fulfilment, offering inspiration to others facing similar challenges.
From Fossil Fuels to Renewable Energy: The Energy Transition
Dr Areeporn’s career has spanned a period of change in the energy sector, from the dominance of fossil fuels to the transition towards renewable energy. A significant turning point in this shift came with the 2015 Paris Agreement (COP 21), where countries, including Thailand, committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This commitment sparked a renewed focus on alternative energy solutions, accelerating the transformation of the energy landscape.
As the sector continues to evolve, technology and new energy opportunities are creating new pathways for diverse talent, including women. Dr Areeporn emphasised that for women to thrive in this industry, they must possess both technical and social skills. Technical expertise is crucial in navigating the complexities of renewable energy, understanding emerging technologies, and adapting to the dynamic challenges of a rapidly changing field. Equally important are social skills, which are vital for effective communication, collaboration, and leadership—attributes that are becoming increasingly essential as the sector moves towards more inclusive, multidisciplinary approaches. This combination of skills positions women not just to participate but to lead the sector’s continued transformation.
Dr Charika underscored the role of sustainable business practices in advancing the renewable energy agenda. She pointed out that businesses are beginning to recognise the importance of integrating energy sustainability into their core strategies and that women in leadership are pivotal to driving these changes.
The energy sector’s shift towards renewable energy signals a critical moment for increasing women in both technical and leadership roles. Their participation will be vital in building a more diverse and innovative future. With the proper support and opportunities, women are poised to lead the charge towards a more sustainable energy landscape. Dr Areeporn and Dr Charika exemplify this potential, highlighting that the future of energy must be inclusive, equitable, and shaped by the contributions of all.
This article is part of the ‘Women in Energy: Navigating Roles and Equality in Thailand’ project, a collaboration between the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and the Centre for SDG Research and Support (SDG Move), Faculty of Economics, Thammasat University.
