To mark International Women in Engineering Day 2025, The Manufacturer spoke with Alex Ikonic, a Grid Connection Specialist at Ørsted. With a background in physics and maths, Alex was drawn to engineering for its mix of creativity, logic, and real-world impact.
Since joining Ørsted’s onshore team two and a half years ago, she’s played a key role in connecting renewable energy projects to the grid—helping deliver green power where it’s needed most.
As a woman in a highly technical and traditionally male-dominated field, what have been some of your key challenges — and how have you overcome them?
AO: Like many women in engineering, one of the key challenges has been navigating environments where I was often the only woman in the room. Early in my career, this sometimes led to self-doubt or a sense of needing to “prove” my expertise. But over time, I’ve come to realise that different perspectives are not just valuable – they’re essential.
Overcoming these challenges has meant surrounding myself with mentors, building confidence in my knowledge, and embracing my own approach to problem-solving.
Ørsted’s inclusive culture has played a big role too – the support and encouragement from colleagues across disciplines have helped me grow and thrive.
What does International Women in Engineering Day mean to you personally, and why is it important for the industry?
AO: To me, International Women in Engineering Day is both a celebration and a call to action. It’s a moment to recognise the incredible contributions women are making across engineering disciplines and to inspire the next generation of girls to consider careers they may not have thought were for them.
For the industry, it’s a reminder of how important diversity is to innovation. The challenges we face in building a sustainable future are complex, and we need a wide range of voices, ideas, and experiences at the table to tackle them effectively. This day is about visibility, representation, and momentum.
How is Ørsted supporting and empowering women in engineering roles, and what impact have you seen from those initiatives?
AO: Ørsted has made real, visible commitments to fostering gender diversity and inclusion in engineering. From mentorship programmes to internal networks and leadership development, there’s a clear recognition that diversity strengthens both our teams and our outcomes.
I’ve seen firsthand the impact of these initiatives, whether it’s junior engineers feeling more empowered to speak up and contribute or seeing more women in senior technical roles. There’s still work to do, of course, but we’re moving in the right direction, and I’m proud to be part of a company that understands that inclusion isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s also smart engineering.
What are the biggest opportunities and challenges you’re seeing in your work on grid connectivity for renewables — especially as the UK moves towards a net-zero future?
AO: One of the biggest opportunities and challenges is the transformation of the grid itself. As the UK accelerates towards net zero by 2030, the demand for flexible, reliable, and smart grid infrastructure is rapidly increasing. My role involves making sure new renewable energy projects can connect to the grid efficiently, which requires both technical innovation and close coordination with stakeholders.
The opportunity lies in shaping a system that can handle the variability of renewables while still delivering consistent power to homes and businesses. The challenge is doing this at speed, at scale, and in a way that integrates with existing infrastructure. But it’s also what makes the work so exciting – we’re helping design the blueprint for a clean energy future.
What advice would you give to young women considering a career in engineering or renewable energy?
AO: My biggest piece of advice is: don’t hesitate. If you’re curious about how things work, enjoy solving problems, or want to make a meaningful impact on the world, engineering has a place for you. Embrace your unique perspective – it’s not a disadvantage, it’s your strength.
Say yes to opportunities, even when they feel slightly out of reach, and surround yourself with people who support your growth. The world of renewable energy needs diverse minds to rethink how we power our future, and your voice could be the one that sparks the next big innovation
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