Stories of Women Leaders in Energy: Ms Nadia Horstmann
Nadia Horstmann, a lawyer and head of Unit at the German regulatory authority - BNetzA shares a story of paving her way in the energy sector. Ms Horstmann has been putting in efforts to empower women in the energy sector for several years already. Among her accomplishments, the launch of the Women in Energy Initiative at CEER should be brought to attention. Hereby, she serves as Co-chair of Women in Energy at the International Confederation of Energy Regulators (ICER). She mentors, speaks at events, and organises gatherings aiming at empowering women. Working in the international energy regulation allows her to take a look abroad and see how women's empowerment is talked and evolving.
From the outset, Ms Horstmann has been clear about her goals and desires. “I always voiced my ambitions clearly, whatever these were,” she notes, adding that it’s essential not to have to choose between different ways of living. Her approach to balancing diverse career and life paths has been supported by empowerment rules within the regulator that encourage varied career development and living arrangements. The biggest challenge she cites is balancing career with family life. Her response is practical and people-oriented: “Listen to women and their necessities and make the work environment fit those needs through flexible working solutions and other supportive measures.” This emphasis on listening, adapting, and implementing flexible arrangements highlights a broader truth she sees in leadership: “real progress requires structural and cultural changes, not just goodwill”.
Her advice to young women, whether they are pursuing energy or another field, focuses on visibility, proactivity, and sincerity about their ambitions and challenges. “Be proactive, visible, articulate about your goals, and bring solutions to the table. Avoid trying to imitate male role models; instead, bring your authentic voice and approach. Attend industry events, connect with professionals, and seek advice. Stay curious, ask questions, and seek mentors who inspire you. Do not be limited by preconceived ideas about what you “should” do. The energy sector is evolving beyond traditional roles; there is room for creativity, innovation, and leadership in every discipline”. Her message is clear: “find the field that motivates you, let passion guide your path, and embrace the sector’s rapid evolution.”
To bridge the gender gap in STEM professions, she emphasises the importance of a multi-pronged approach:
“Start early with girls in schools, showing that science, technology, engineering, and mathematics are not ‘male domains’.” Increase visibility of women’s successes in STEM. Embed diversity and inclusion in organisational strategies. Elevate leadership commitment and visibility: when women see other women shaping the future of energy, they realise there’s a place for them too. Her reflections point to a simple truth: sustained impact comes from integrating inclusion into the core of organisational planning and leadership behaviour.
When reflecting on her career, she frames her accomplishments in both professional and personal terms. Professionally, she leans into the responsibility and the privilege of leadership, viewing it as an opportunity to mentor peers and to be recognised for contributing to the field. Personally, she cherishes the affirmations from her children, “Go for it, Mommy!”, and the steady support she receives at home. Those moments underscore a broader reality: influence grows through consistent action, authenticity, and a supportive home environment.
She speaks honestly about balance: “I am struggling! Not because I am not well organised, but because the world around didn’t count with me from the scratch.” She believes the next generations will have it easier if society and infrastructure adapt to new times. A true work-life balance, she argues, must be supported externally, through societal norms and workplace practices, because personal well-being directly affects leadership and the quality of work.
“Be bold in pursuing ambitions and in communicating them openly. Push for flexible, inclusive workplace practices that enable sustainable careers without sacrificing personal life. Champion early STEM education for girls and celebrate women’s successes in the field. Demonstrate leadership commitment by embedding diversity and inclusion into strategy and day-to-day decision-making. Support one another through mentoring, networking, and sharing practical solutions.
Visible, well-communicated goals empower not just the individual but the entire organisation. Flexible work and supportive environments are essential to balancing career and family. The energy sector offers broad opportunities beyond traditional roles; leadership and creativity are welcome across disciplines. Real progress comes from embedding inclusion in strategy, leadership and everyday practice. Mentorship, networking, and role models are powerful catalysts for the next generation of women in energy.”
EU4Energy promotes gender equality and encourages greater participation and visibility of women in the energy sector through a series of interviews on its Blog: Women in Energy. The aim of the Blog is to promote professions in the energy/power sector towards women and raise awareness about the women who contribute to its development, as well as about promising women who are taking their first steps in the profession. The Blog aims to encourage the young female generation to choose a profession in the energy/power sector and discover the advantages and adventures associated with it.
