We need an energy transition that works for everyone says Anna Bazley

In this edition of Power Women, a Q&A series highlighting women across the value chain in the energy sector, Kamogelo Motse talks to Anna Bazley.

Anna Bazley is ENODA's Head of Government and Regulatory Affairs. She is responsible for its government engagement and ensuring the company is up to date with policy and regulatory changes.

What attracted you to work in the energy sector?

I was originally attracted to working in the energy sector through environmentalism. The 2018 UNPCC report was a wake-up call for me and I wanted to pursue a career that tackled climate issues. I began my career in energy by moving into the area within the UK government after my graduate scheme.

My role focussed on promoting investment in UK clean energy innovation, and I later specialised in electricity networks. In 2022 I moved into, the private sector to continue promoting innovation in technology and policy.

Who is your role model in (or outside of) the energy sector?

My role model is Laura Sandys. Laura is a former Member of the UK Parliament, an expert in energy and other regulated industries, a low-carbon economy advocate, and co-founder of the POWERful Women network.

This is a trail-blazing organisation which seeks to advance the professional growth and leadership development of women across the UK’s energy sector. Her CV is like a library of influential organisations in the low-carbon economy.

What do you love about your job?

The opportunity to work on the most important policy questions facing us at the moment. I love the technical details of electricity markets and the need for policy to support the market. In my role at ENODA, I’m given a huge amount of freedom and responsibility, which I thrive on.

ENODA is a scale-up, so my role covers a wider remit than just government and regulatory affairs. For example, commercial and manufacturing subjects also fall under my responsibility, so the opportunity to learn and develop my professional capabilities is endless.

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Why is diversity important for the energy industry?

Diversity in the energy industry is important because we need an energy transition that works for everyone. Without representation in the industry, we’re missing some of the voices that will allow us to ensure the transition does work for everyone.

What is the biggest challenge and opportunity for the energy transition in the next year?

The biggest challenge is for politicians to remain committed to the energy transition in the face of what is perceived as a backlash and ensure that it works for everyone. The biggest opportunity is that it absolutely can be a transition that works for everyone.

If you could go back to when you started work, what career advice would you give to your younger self?

You will enjoy your career much more if you’re working on something that you care about.

THIS OR THAT

Travel to the past or future?

The future, to see all the clean energy infrastructure we’re going to build!

Read fiction or nonfiction?

Non-fiction.

Be the smartest person in the world or richest person in the world?

I think both would probably make me miserable, but I’d rather be the smartest person in the world so I could always solve the crossword.