The energy sector is undergoing a significant shift from globalization to localization, particularly in renewable energy, energy storage, EV charging and grid infrastructure. While technologies may be developed globally, their successful implementation increasingly depends on understanding local market conditions, regulatory frameworks and customer needs. The energy sector is not abandoning globalization entirely, global finance, knowledge sharing, and technology transfer remain vital. In this context, diversity, across gender, culture and professional background, is not just a social objective but a practical necessity. Diverse teams are better equipped to navigate complex local environments, anticipate challenges and deliver solutions that are both technically sound and commercially viable. 

Challenging bias through execution and growing through international experience

Diversity is not only about representation. It is also about improving how companies identify risks, challenge assumptions and make decisions in complex projects. In the energy transition, we need teams and an environment that can look at the problems from more than one angle.

My own career has developed alongside the rapid growth of the solar market. I entered the solar industry in 2018, starting with project work in Türkiye at a time when the country’s installed solar capacity was around 5.1 GW. Since then, the market has expanded significantly, reaching 25.5 GW by 2025. In parallel, India has experienced even faster growth, increasing its cumulative installed solar PV capacity from 27.5 GW in 2018 to 135.5 GW in 2025, according to IRENA Renewable Capacity Statistics 2026. Being part of this global expansion has shaped both my technical understanding and my perspective on how different markets evolve.

In 2022, I became involved in Indian solar projects and moved to Germany, where I started working in an international and diverse organization at RCT Solutions GmbH. Since then I have supported project management activities for solar projects across several markets, including India, France, Canada, the US and Egypt. This transition allowed me to combine my operational experience from Türkiye with large-scale, complex solar projects in India. Working across different markets required not only technical knowledge but also adaptability, cultural awareness and strong communication skills.

I have actively pushed to be involved in these projects, even when there were assumptions that male colleagues might be a more natural fit for challenging technical or customer-facing roles. I had to demonstrate that I could manage complex discussions, understand both technical and commercial aspects, and build trust with international stakeholders. For me, challenging bias means consistently proving capability through execution. 

My most significant career milestone has been moving from an operational role in Turkey to international solar project consulting in Germany. It was not only a job change; it was a big personal and professional step. I started to work with customers, suppliers and technical teams from different countries, and I had to prove myself in a more complex environment. My strong background in solar projects from Turkey helped me a lot, together with my willingness to keep learning more about renewables and solar.

Building fairer workplaces and stronger careers

These experiences have shaped how I see real support and inclusion in the industry. In line with my experience working across different markets and teams, I believe a good mentor or ally should provide clear feedback, share practical experience and help women navigate technical, commercial and leadership challenges. For me, the most important principle is fairness: evaluating people based on capability and execution, not assumptions. Women do not only need protection; they need opportunities, trust and constructive guidance to grow. Real support means giving women visibility and responsibility, not only encouragement. 

Working at RCT Solutions has reinforced this perspective for me. I am part of a diverse and international team where different backgrounds, experiences and viewpoints are part of everyday collaboration. This environment has shown me how much stronger project outcomes can be when people are encouraged to contribute openly and are trusted with responsibility. It also demonstrates that inclusion is not only a concept, but something that needs to be practiced consistently in daily work, communication and decision-making. 

I also see flexibility and trust as essential in the workplace, especially in international and project-driven environments. Diverse talent stays when people feel respected and evaluated based on their contribution. Inclusion should be reflected in project assignments, bonus decisions and promotion opportunities. Companies should be transparent about career paths and provide equal access to technical and leadership roles. Diversity should not remain only in company statements; it should be visible in everyday decisions and actions.

My advice to a young woman entering the solar and renewable energy industry today would be: do not take everything personally, even when the environment is challenging. Based on my own experience, believing in yourself, your ideas, and your ability to execute them is critical. In this industry, you do not need to know everything from the first day, but you need to stay curious, ask questions and keep learning. Be thoughtful about where, when and with whom you share your ideas. The right people, timing and environment can help an idea become real. And if something does not work as planned, do not stop. Pivot, learn and continue.

Interested in joining Tuğçe Gür and other women industry leaders and experts at Women in Solar+ Europe? Find out more: www.wiseu.network

Tuğçe Gür is a Supply Chain Manager and Project Manager based in Konstanz, Germany, with more than 8 years of experience in solar manufacturing, supply chain strategy, production planning, factory ramp-up and international renewable energy consulting. She currently works at RCT Solutions GmbH, supporting multi-GW solar manufacturing investments across global markets, including BOM development, supplier landscape assessments, cost structure analysis and technical due diligence. Before moving to Germany, she worked in Turkey’s solar manufacturing industry at Kalyon PV and Parla Solar, gaining hands-on experience in integrated PV operations, SAP-based planning, material management and production coordination. Tuğçe holds a B.Sc. in Industrial Engineering from Pamukkale University and is an MBA candidate in Renewables at Berliner Hochschule für Technik. She also has additional training in renewable energy finance, sustainability disclosure standards, quality management and operational excellence.