In 2026, we have collaborated once again with Bain & Company to gather and publish statistics on the number of women in board (executive and non-executive), leadership and middle management roles within the top 100 energy companies in the UK, focussing on the most significant employers in today's industry.
Our Annual State of the Nation 2026 report reveals the gaps to be filled to reach our target for women to be in at least 40% of leadership and middle management roles in UK energy by 2030, and provides positive recommendations for action.
Board
31%
22 boards removed at least one woman this year (vs 4 last year)
Leadership
36%
14 companies hit the 40% target - nearly double last year's 8. The brightest spot in the dataset.
Middle management
34%
Only 5 of 33 reporting companies hit 40% - one fewer than 2025. The pipeline for 2030's boards has stalled.
Progress over time
“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.”
Monica Collings OBE
Chair of POWERful Women
“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.”
Miya Paolucci
POWERful Women Leaders’ Coalition Chair and ENGIE UK CEO
“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.”
Chris McDonald MP
Minister for Industry in the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ)