Modern energy heroines sought: inspiring women changing Czechia’s future

The Association for Modern Energy and the WINNEE platform are launching the first edition of the “Modern Energy Heroines” awards. The aim is to highlight women whose projects, research and innovations are contributing to Czechia’s transition to low-carbon energy. Nominations are open until 15 May 2025. You can nominate yourself or a colleague via the competition website if she inspires through her activities or an innovative project and is helping to improve the Czech energy sector. There is a separate category for emerging talents – students or researchers under 30.

“Our goal is to support greater representation of women in fields associated with decarbonisation. We believe that successful examples will open up a new world of low-carbon solutions for the emerging generation. The professional category is intended to showcase women behind completed or ongoing projects in renewable energy, energy storage or reducing companies’ carbon footprints. The ‘Heroines’ award gives specific individuals a stronger voice in technical professions,” says Martin Sedlák of the Association for Modern Energy and the WINNEE platform.

The awards will be presented in two categories. “Professionals in modern energy” is intended for experienced experts working, for example, in renewable energy, energy storage, smart grids, hydrogen, energy efficiency or ESG strategies. “Emerging talents” will recognise women under 30 who bring innovation through research, master’s or doctoral theses with practical applications.

The competition criteria are available at www.hrdinkymodernienergetiky.cz, where nominations can also be submitted. The winners will be selected by an expert jury comprising figures from the Czech energy sector and the public sector. The jury will include Government Commissioner for Human Rights Klára Šimáčková Laurenčíková, MP Eva Decroix, Markéta Zemanová, a member of the Czech Energy Regulatory Office Council, Zuzana Krejčiříková, Public Affairs Director at ČEZ Group and a board member of the Czech Chamber of Commerce, as well as representatives of industry associations.

“We see the Modern Energy Heroines awards as an opportunity to connect women in clean-tech sectors from both the public and private spheres in the Czech Republic, while also offering an opportunity to introduce the world of energy to male and female students, whom the energy sector will need in the coming years,” said Zuzana Krejčiříková, Director of the Public Affairs Department at ČEZ Group, who will sit on the expert jury.

In addition to media support, the winners will receive the title “Modern Energy Heroine 2025”, the opportunity to present their projects at public events and expert PR consultations. The winner of the top award in the “Emerging Talent” category will also receive an internship at ČEZ Group. The results will be announced on 28 May 2025 at a gala evening in Prague.