Accelerate Action: Women Leading Energy. Inna Kulawiec, Contracts and Commercial Leader at OX2
As part of our "Accelerate Action: Women Leading Energy" series, we continue to highlight the stories of inspiring women making an impact in the energy sector. In this instalment, John Bougias, Principal Consultant in Melbourne, speaks with Inna Kulawiec, Contracts and Commercial Leader at OX2, about her career journey, achievements, and thoughts on the future of female representation in the industry.
A Passion for Energy Markets
From the start, Inna Kulawiec was captivated by the complexity of energy markets. With a finance degree from the University of Melbourne, she was drawn to numbers, patterns, and the strategic decision-making involved in energy trading. Her first role as an Energy Trader at Loy Yang, a coal-fired power station in Victoria’s Latrobe Valley, gave her an early insight into network constraints and how they impact market fluctuations. “I loved trading energy derivatives across different nodes,” she recalls. “Understanding how supply and demand influence pricing fascinated me.”
Yet, her ambition stretched beyond trading alone. Inna sought broader exposure to the sector, eventually transitioning to PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC). There, she moved from risk management into transactions, gaining her first experience in renewable energy projects. “At the time, renewables were only just starting to penetrate the grid,” she explains. “It was fascinating to see both the opportunities and the challenges that lay ahead.”
Breaking New Ground in Renewables
Her next major career move was joining the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO), where she took on a critical role in managing generator connections. One of her proudest achievements was leading the connection of Macarthur Wind Farm—the largest wind farm in Australia at the time. “It was an intense and complex project,” she reflects. “But being part of something that would significantly contribute to the country’s clean energy future made it all worthwhile.”
Beyond project execution, Inna also played a pivotal role in streamlining Victoria’s connection process, ensuring more renewable projects could integrate smoothly into the grid. Her efforts demonstrated not just technical acumen but a deep commitment to driving systemic improvements in the industry.
Finding Purpose at Vestas
While her work in renewables had always been engaging, it wasn’t until she joined Vestas that she found true passion in the sector. “Vestas was where everything clicked for me,” she shares. “I wasn’t just solving technical problems; I was actively contributing to a cleaner planet.”
At Vestas, every day presented a new challenge, and Inna’s problem-solving mindset thrived. But beyond the technical aspects, she credits the company’s focus on results for fuelling her motivation. “Having leaders who genuinely invested in my growth made a huge difference,” she notes. “It reinforced my drive to push boundaries and deliver impactful results.”
The Power of Leadership and Mentorship
While she has celebrated many career achievements, it’s the growth of her teams that brings Inna the most pride. “Seeing individual high achievers transform into a high-performing team is incredibly rewarding,” she says. “That transition isn’t easy, but when it happens, the impact is undeniable.”
Her leadership journey, however, hasn’t been without its challenges. Recalling her time at Alcoa, she shares how, despite being an Energy Manager and part of the Regional Leadership Team, many initially assumed she was a secretary. “It took time for people on-site to see me as an equal,” she admits. “But once I was able to demonstrate my expertise - helping them achieve their targets and working alongside them - it changed perceptions.”
Accelerating Female Representation in Energy
While progress is being made, Inna believes the industry must do more to attract and retain women in energy. “Companies need to focus not just on hiring women, but on creating an environment where they want to stay and grow,” she emphasises. “Mentoring programs and networking events are key to making that happen.”
Looking ahead, she is optimistic about the next decade, foreseeing greater gender diversity and inclusion in leadership roles. However, she stresses that action must be taken now. “If we’re serious about accelerating change, we need to cut the red tape and deliver projects faster,” she asserts. “That requires focus and determination from everyone in the industry.”
Advice for Future Leaders
For those considering a career in renewable energy, Inna’s message is clear: passion and resilience are essential. “This sector is set to grow significantly over the next five to ten years,” she says. “We need people who are driven to make an impact and willing to push through challenges.”
She is particularly excited about innovations in circularity - ensuring wind turbines, solar panels, and battery storage are fully recyclable. “Sustainability doesn’t end with generation,” she points out. “Finding ways to recycle components without harming the environment is the next big step.”
Recognising Inclusive Leadership
Reflecting on her career, Inna acknowledges the mentors who have shaped her path. One leader stands out, a former mentor at Vestas. “She wasn’t afraid to show vulnerability,” Inna recalls. “Her leadership made every team member feel valued and aligned toward a common goal.”
As she looks to the future, Inna is grateful for the journey that has brought her here and remains committed to building diverse, high-performing teams that will drive the energy transition forward. “I’m honoured to be part of this industry and excited for what’s ahead,” she says. “Now is the time to accelerate action and make a lasting impact.”
Celebrate With Us:
To learn more about our Accelerate Action: Women Leading Energy series or to nominate an inspiring individual in the industry for our ongoing Career Conversations: Powering A Sustainable Future series view our intro piece here.
