GWNET brings you the 1st instalment of the “Meet the Women in the SICA Energy Transition” series which celebrates the work and achievements of the women who are part of the Women in the SICA Energy Transition Mentoring Programme. This programme is made up of 38 mentee-mentor tandems, with mentees from 7 countries. Meet SICA mentee, Lizbeth Gonzalez Marciaga, Electrical Network Analyst at Centro Nacional de Despacho CND_Empresa de Transmision Electrica SA in Panama.
1) Tell us a little about yourself. What do you love most about what you do?
I am an electromechanical engineer. I work as an electrical network analyst for the Operator of the Electricity System of Panama (Centro Nacional de Despacho_CND).
One of the things that I love most about my job is the management of renewable energy projects in the electrical network.
2) What were your goals when you started working in the energy sector? How have these evolved?
One of the goals that I had when I began to work in the energy sector was to implement research and development in my department and to work in the area of electricity market regulations.
How have these evolved? Not so well. There is so much work, that it is very hard to work in these areas.
3) What are the opportunities for sustainable energy in your country?
Right now, Panama is working towards a sustainable portfolio. Each day, more and more renewable energy is being incorporated into these systems.
Additional, hydrogen as an alternative fuel is being analyzed for distributed generation in the long term.
I think that one of the challenges that I had was to be a mom while also working. I am still working on that.
On the other hand, the challenges in the research area are huge. I overcame this challenge by working with my colleagues and asking for guidance from other partners in the electrical sectors (for example research articles).
I would like to be working in the regulatory area of the energy sector. I think that this program can support me with the keys to achieve my goal in the next five years.
6) What advice would you give to women hoping to join the sustainable energy sector?
Many people have been through the same situations. Do not be afraid of the unknown and always fight, we can be part of the change.
Read more about GWNET’s mentoring programmes here.
