FEDARENE warmly congratulates Donna Gartland, CEO of Codema – Dublin’s Energy Agency, on winning the 2026 European Sustainable Energy Award in the Women in Energy category.
Presented during the European Sustainable Energy Week (EUSEW), the European Sustainable Energy Awards celebrate outstanding individuals, projects and initiatives advancing energy efficiency and renewable energy across Europe. Each year, a high-level jury selects finalists in three categories: Women in Energy, Local Energy Action and SMEs Driving Energy Efficiency, with the final winners chosen through a public vote. Donna’s recognition reflects both her pioneering contribution to sustainable energy solutions in Ireland and her commitment to fostering a more diverse and inclusive energy sector.
“It is a privilege to receive this award and to be surrounded by so many inspiring women working across the energy sector. I am fortunate to be part of a network of women who support and learn from one another. This recognition belongs to all those who are helping break new ground and showing that leadership, collaboration and inclusion are essential to delivering the energy transition.”
— Donna Gartland, CEO of Codema
Under Donna’s leadership, Codema has played a central role in developing Ireland’s first large-scale district heating scheme using waste heat recovered from local data centres. The project demonstrates how innovative local solutions can contribute to reducing carbon emissions, strengthening energy security and delivering affordable, sustainable heating for communities.
Beyond technical innovation, Donna has been a strong advocate for gender equality and inclusive workplace practices within the energy sector. Through initiatives such as a four-day working week and gender-neutral family leave policies, Codema has built a diverse organisation where women are strongly represented at both staff and leadership levels.
Her award sends an important message at a time when Europe is accelerating efforts to deliver a competitive, secure and climate-neutral energy system. Achieving these goals requires not only technological innovation but also strong leadership, collaboration and inclusive decision-making.
“The champions we celebrate today are those who pave the way and push the boundaries of what is possible. We want to recognise the power of local action in driving the energy transition. Europe’s clean energy transition is not delivered in Brussels alone — it is driven by communities, cities and regions across Europe.”
— Paloma Aba Garrote, Director of CINEA
Recognising the Role of Energy Agencies
Donna Gartland’s success also highlights the growing role of local and regional Energy Agencies in turning European climate and energy ambitions into concrete action on the ground.
Across Europe, Energy Agencies work alongside municipalities, citizens, businesses and financial institutions to implement practical solutions that reduce energy consumption, support renewable energy deployment, improve energy security and strengthen local competitiveness. Their work helps ensure that the benefits of the energy transition reach every territory and community.
This year’s EUSEW Awards further demonstrated this impact. Notably, all three finalists in the Local Energy Action category were linked to the work of Energy and Climate Agencies, including our member Energy Agency of Plovdiv for its MultiHome project. This strong presence underlines the essential role these organisations play in supporting citizens, municipalities and local stakeholders to deliver Europe’s clean energy transition.
FEDARENE once again congratulates Donna Gartland on this well-deserved recognition. We also extend our congratulations to all finalists of the 2026 EU Sustainable Energy Awards, whose work demonstrates the innovation, commitment and local leadership needed to build a more sustainable, secure and competitive energy future for Europe.
