Written by Dayo Tunji-Ajayi; Edited by Morgan Evans
When most people think about the history of energy, the people that come to mind are often men. Also, many people often picture massive dams, oil rigs, power plants, or modern solar farms. What many people don’t immediately credit are the women whose ideas, research, confidence, and determination helped make these systems possible. During Women’s History Month, it’s important to recognize not only the industrial progress women have made in the energy industry, but also the challenges they overcame in pursuit of their passions.
Originally, most careers in power generation and energy technology were considered fields for men, until the 20thcentury. Women who were interested in science or technical work faced significant barriers such as limited access to education, fewer job opportunities, and different societal expectations that pushed them toward roles like clerical work and teaching. Despite these barriers, women found ways to contribute to the energy industry, through research, mathematics, and scientific innovation. Throughout the 20th century, several female pioneers made lasting contributions that continue to influence how energy is produced and managed.
Edith Clarke was the first woman to work professionally in the United States as an electrical engineer. Her work transformed how all engineers understand and design power systems. In the early 1920s, she designed the Clarke calculator, a graphical tool that simplified complex calculations necessary for the development of transmission lines. Her innovation helped engineers build more reliable power networks at a time when electricity was rapidly expanding across the United States. Clarke went on later to teach future generations of both men and women engineers.
Another influential figure in the history of energy innovation was Mária Telkes, a scientist often referred to as the “Sun Queen.” Telkes was passionate about using solar power for everyday use. Through her research, she helped design one of the first solar-heated homes and developed technologies that demonstrated how solar power could provide practical and sustainable energy.
During World War II, Telkes also created a solar desalination device that helped stranded pilots and sailors turn seawater into drinking water. Her work ignited the foundation of today’s growing solar energy industry.
Leadership and policy have also played an important role in shaping the history of the energy sector. Hazel O’Leary made history in the 1990s when she became the first woman and first African American to serve as U.S. Secretary of Energy. With previous experience in the utility industry, she promoted national energy efficiency and supported research into more innovative energy technologies. Her role in industry leadership serves as an example of how the future of energy is not only about technology, but also inclusive decision-making and forward-thinking policy.
The impact of these female pioneers can still be seen in the energy landscape today. Modern electrical grids rely on the same principles Clarke helped develop decades ago. The rapid growth of solar power reflects the early vision of researchers like Telkes. Meanwhile, leaders like O’Leary helped expand conversations about how energy policy, innovation, and workforce diversity can shape the future of the industry.
Despite this progress, women remain underrepresented in many technical, field, and leadership roles within the energy sector. Women often earn less than men in similar positions and can find it challenging to advance in careers that demand long hours, travel, or on‑site work. The history of energy is not only about machines, fuels, or infrastructure. It is also about the people who imagined new possibilities and worked to turn those ideas into reality. By learning about pioneers like Clarke, Telkes, and O’Leary, students and professionals can see that there is no single career destination in the energy field, but that it’s an industry full of possibilities for a variety of skilled professionals.
The Energy Education Foundation works to cultivate the next generation of energy professionals, including both men and women. Encouraging students to explore careers in science, engineering, and technology puts the industry one step closer toward a stronger and more diverse energy workforce. These early pioneers are proof that anyone with curiosity and persistence can help power the future.
References
Exelon Corporation. “Four Trailblazing Women in Energy.” Culture.
U.S. Department of Energy. “History of Women at the Energy Department.”
Energies Media. “Female Forces: A Timeline of History-Making Women in Energy.”
Dayo Tunji-Ajayi is a communications and media professional with over seven years of experience in strategic communications, content development, and digital storytelling. She is also a content creator who produces educational and lifestyle content focused on immigration, cultural transitions, and the experiences of immigrants navigating life in the United States. Through her work, Dayo combines clear messaging, storytelling, and visual content to inform, inspire, and connect with diverse audiences. Her professional background includes communications roles in higher education, corporate, and nonprofit organizations, as well as freelance work in branding, content strategy, and digital media. Find more of her work here:
Instagram: @naijaladyinusa; @oromidayotamedia
Links:
https://www.instagram.com/naijaladyinusa
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