The rise of renewable energy isn’t just about technology — it’s about the people driving it forward. Among them, more women than ever are stepping into the spotlight, helping shape the industry’s future with skill, knowledge, and vision.
Sherry Liu, an outstanding representative of the technical department at JA Solar, recently shared her story with ecogeneration — a story that is not only inspiring but also demonstrates the significant progress made in gender equality within STEM fields.
A Journey into renewables
Liu graduated from University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney with a degree in Renewable Energy in 2022.
Even before completing her studies, she gained hands-on experience through internships in power station development, new energy vehicle companies, and energy storage firms.
Her passion for clean energy was sparked early, not through external persuasion but through her own observations of the industry’s growing importance.
“I felt that this industry had immense potential for the future, even before it became a global trend,” Liu said.
“More and more people around me were discussing renewable energy projects, and I knew this was where I wanted to be.”
Despite the perception that women might face challenges in male-dominated fields like engineering and renewable energy, Liu never saw gender as a limitation.
“For me, gender has never been an issue,” she said.
“It’s just about learning and executing the work. Women in this industry are excelling in various roles, and I see more and more female professionals making their mark.”
Her career path led her to JA Solar, a global solar powerhouse where she found an environment that valued expertise over stereotypes.
Advancing diversity
Working alongside a diverse team of engineers, Liu became part of JA Solar’s push for continuous innovation in solar technology — one that extends beyond products to shaping the future of clean energy.
According to Liu, JA Solar actively promotes gender diversity within its corporate structure, with women making up 33 per cent of its board, 67 per cent of its supervisory board, and 42 per cent of its research team.
“A company that respects women tends to be inclusive and diverse, which ultimately benefits both the organisation and society,” Liu said.
“Greater female participation in leadership enhances workplace culture and contributes to a more equitable and stable industry.”
JA Solar also collaborates with global organisations, such as UN Women, to promote gender equality in the workforce.
These efforts are part of the company’s broader mission to create a more balanced and inclusive renewable energy sector.
A legacy of innovation
JA Solar has built a strong reputation for research and development, consistently pushing the boundaries of photovoltaic technology.
In Australia, the company is advancing solar applications in areas such as Large-scale Generation Certificates (LGCs), Frequency Control Ancillary Services (FCAS), and the integration of solar, storage, and hydrogen energy.
JA Solar’s investment in research extends beyond internal development. The company has partnered with the UNSW to establish a joint lab dedicated to PV technology research.
This initiative is expected to yield groundbreaking advancements in mainstream technologies like TOPCon, as well as next-generation BC and HJT cells.
ESG leadership
Beyond technological innovation, JA Solar is proactive in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives, implementing strategies that ensure sustainability across its operations — from responsible sourcing to waste reduction.
“JA Solar has a dedicated ESG team focused on reducing our carbon footprint,” Liu said.
“We have earned top-tier certifications, including AAA ratings in Wind Index and an A rating in Business Ethics Honour. Our ESG initiatives span the entire lifecycle—from raw material procurement to manufacturing, logistics, and recycling.”
JA Solar’s leadership in ESG was recently recognised with the 2024 IPC China ESG Benchmark Enterprise Award, an accolade shared with industry leaders in electronics, semiconductors, and renewable energy.
A tangible example of JA Solar’s ESG commitment is its support for community-driven renewable energy initiatives.
The company recently donated 50 per cent of the cost of a 25-kilowatt photovoltaic system to Jubilee Church in Sydney, significantly reducing the church’s electricity expenses by 72 per cent.
This initiative enables the church to redirect funds toward community programs while setting a positive example of environmental responsibility.
Looking ahead
By 2030, JA Solar aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 42 per cent compared to 2023 levels.
Additionally, by 2025, the company plans to achieve zero greenhouse gas emissions within its operational scope.
“As a company, we are committed to being at the forefront of renewable energy advancements while maintaining a strong focus on sustainability,” Liu said.
“Our long-term goal is to play a leading role in shaping the global renewable energy landscape.”
For more information, visit jasolar.com
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