The Leader Behind the Vision
Basma Al-Shatti’s journey in the energy and minerals sector began with her role as a planning engineer at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources in Jordan. With a foundation in industrial engineering, her passion for systems optimization, project management, and sustainability quickly propelled her forward. The opportunity to apply her technical and strategic planning skills to large-scale energy projects, coupled with her commitment to renewable energy solutions, has shaped her career. She has played a pivotal role in supervising and implementing cutting-edge technologies, such as solar energy and energy efficiency projects for municipalities and healthcare facilities, and pilot projects under EU-granted initiatives.
Her leadership style was defined early in her career while working in the heavy industries sector, managing complex interdepartmental requirements. However, a defining moment came when she led the development of photovoltaic (PV) system installations across 100 municipalities. Overcoming challenges in coordination, resource management, and stakeholder engagement, she reinforced her leadership philosophy—prioritizing clear communication, collaboration, and a sustainability-driven vision.
Among her most rewarding experiences is her contribution to advancing renewable energy projects for local community development. Under her leadership, initiatives such as solar PV installations, de-risking financial policies for energy investments, and accreditation frameworks for energy service companies (ESCOs) have significantly impacted Jordan’s energy landscape. Her role in shaping national policies, including contributions to the Jordan Economy Growth Plan, highlights her ability to influence strategic sector-wide development. Additionally, her involvement in international research groups ensures she remains at the forefront of energy innovation.
Leadership in Energy & Sustainability
Balancing innovation with sustainability is at the core of Basma’s leadership approach. She believes that technical advancements should align with sustainability goals to create long-term value. By integrating renewable energy and energy efficiency solutions, she has championed initiatives that not only reduce environmental impact but also generate economic benefits, create local jobs, and enhance community inclusivity.
One of her proudest contributions is the development of accreditation frameworks for ESCOs and the design of de-risking financial policies. These initiatives targeting to facilitate private-sector participation in energy efficiency projects while ensuring quality service standards. Her efforts have strengthened Jordan’s renewable energy market, making investments more accessible and attractive, particularly in underserved communities.
Looking ahead, she identifies key trends shaping the industry, including the acceleration of renewable energy adoption, advancements in energy storage, digitalization through AI and IoT, and decentralized energy systems. The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources is proactively addressing these trends by promoting research, regulatory frameworks, and capacity-building initiatives to ensure a seamless transition to a sustainable energy future.
Overcoming Challenges & Driving Change
Leadership in the energy sector comes with immense responsibilities. One of the biggest challenges Basma has faced was managing the implementation of large-scale renewable energy and energy efficiency projects, particularly those under the EU-funded REEED initiative. With multiple stakeholders and technical complexities, navigating these projects required strategic stakeholder engagement, transparent project timelines, and adaptability. By fostering collaboration and maintaining open communication, she successfully delivered projects introducing new technologies which are improved energy access and sustainability in Jordan.
Decision-making in national and global energy strategies requires a data-driven, collaborative approach. Basma relies on thorough analysis, expert consultation, and staying informed about emerging trends to ensure decisions align with long-term energy and sustainability goals. Transparency and stakeholder alignment are key pillars in her decision-making process.
A common misconception about the energy sector is that sustainability is solely about increasing renewable energy generation. Basma emphasizes that true sustainability involves improving energy efficiency, reducing waste, and integrating smart energy systems. Additionally, she challenges the notion that transitioning to renewables is prohibitively expensive, highlighting that innovative financing models and policy frameworks can make sustainable energy accessible and cost-effective.
Women in Leadership & Legacy
As a woman in a highly technical and policy-driven industry, Basma has learned the importance of resilience, adaptability, and fostering collaboration. She recognizes the value of self-confidence and mentorship, ensuring that young women in the sector receive guidance and support. Her leadership philosophy centers on inspiring and empowering others to reach their potential.
Her advice to aspiring female leaders is to persist in their ambitions, continuously learn, and develop strong networking skills. Leadership in the energy sector requires navigating challenges with resilience and seizing opportunities for growth. She believes that women should embrace their unique perspectives and drive meaningful change in the industry.
If her leadership legacy were to be described in one sentence, it would be: ‘A leader who empowered others, championed sustainability and innovation, and broke barriers to create a more inclusive and forward-thinking energy sector.’
Looking Ahead – The Future She is Building
Basma remains committed to spearheading new energy efficiency and renewable energy projects that drive local and national impact. She is eager to collaborate on initiatives that exemplify the intersection of policy, innovation, and community engagement to create sustainable progress.
What keeps her motivated every day is the tangible difference she makes in improving energy access and sustainability. Seeing the positive impact of her work on communities reinforces her dedication to driving meaningful change in the energy sector.
Reflecting on her journey, she would advise her younger self to trust the process, embrace challenges, and take more risks. Leadership is a continuous learning experience, and the greatest growth often comes from stepping outside of one’s comfort zone.
With a vision for a sustainable future, Basma Yunes Al-Shatti continues to be a transformative force in energy leadership, shaping policies, pioneering projects, and inspiring the next generation of leaders in the field.
