24 | Influential Businesswoman Awards 2026 Energy Grant Program Businesswoman of the Year 2026 (Portugal): Marta Louro & Social Impact Excellence Award 2026 elebrating its 50th anniversary this year, EDP strives to build a new energy by promoting renewable sources. It is aiming to be net zero by 2040, and to continuously shape the energy sector and empower communities to live more sustainably. At the heart of EDP’s strategy is this idea of a ‘just transition’, meaning the shift to a lowcarbon economy must be inclusive and leave nobody behind. EDP sees to this through its Social Impact area and corporate foundations. Across these areas, EDP addresses energy poverty, supports vulnerable communities, and promotes access to energy, local development, and skills. Its work here is carried out alongside NGOs, special enterprises, international organisations, and local partners – impact-driven organisations sharing its vision. Marta Louro plays a key role in delivering these initiatives, having spent the last 15 years (since the creation of the Access to Energy, or A2E, unit) being directly involved in the development and scaling of EDP’s social impact strategy, especially concerning energy access in underserved communities in several regions, from sub Saharan Africa to the Brazilian Amazon. This is not the only way Marta has directly influenced EDP’s success, however, as she has been with the wider group since 2007 and worked across several companies within it during this time. Commenting on these roles, Marta shared: “My experience has enabled me to deliver concrete results, including consolidating A2E as a key pillar within EDP’s social impact strategy.” Her work has seen partnerships formed, programmes implemented, and local capacity strengthened, with measurable social outcomes generated. Having spent nearly two decades with EDP thus far, it is unsurprising that Marta has seen significant changes within both the company itself and across the wider energy sector when it comes to the roles of women. As for EDP, women comprise nearly 30% of its workforce and 50% of its board, figures achieved as a result of concrete initiatives including its Gender Equity Plan, global diversity/inclusion policies, and mentoring and leadership development opportunities, all to name just a few. Marta has, at every turn, been a beacon of female achievement for EDP, seen through her creation and long-term management of the aforementioned A2E CSR Fund. More than eight years leading this initiative has seen Marta support 56 projects to the tune of €5.5 million, reaching over 850,000 people directly and more than nine million indirectly through clean and reliable energy sources. “Beyond the scale, the most meaningful achievement has been the transformational impact generated in underserved communities”, Marta said. “In many contexts, something as simple as a light bulb, a reliable source of electricity, or access to clean water can make a decisive difference”, particularly in areas like education, healthcare, and business. “For EDP, social impact is not peripheral – it is a core enabler of a just energy transition. By actively contributing to the development of the communities where we operate, we reinforce our license to operate, strengthen long-term value creation, and ensure that the energy transition is inclusive and socially sustainable.” Looking ahead, the future for EDP remains deeply rooted in scaling impact according to its broader sustainability and energy transition goals. The focus is still on this just energy transition, and there is a recognition that this can only be achieved with help from its partners. For Marta specifically, her main professional goal is to continue working on initiatives that create a real, lasting transformation in society. She seeks to remain close to the communities on the ground, understanding their realities and creating appropriate solutions. Ultimately, Marta explained: “Access to energy plays a critical role in reducing inequalities and supporting a just transition. Programmes such as the A2E CSR Fund demonstrate how clean and reliable energy solutions can address energy poverty, reduce social and economic disparities, and unlock development opportunities for communities in vulnerable and underserved contexts. Access to energy is therefore not only a social imperative, but also a key driver of inclusive growth and a fair energy transition.” For the part she continues to play in realising this brighter future on behalf of EDP, we are delighted to recognise both Marta Louro with two well-deserved awards. Contact: Marta Louro Company: EDP Web Address: https://edp.com/en EDP has a worldwide presence in the energy sector, being amongst the largest players in Europe and a global leading producer of wind energy. Operating across the entire energy value chain, the company has a strong presence in renewables, networks, and energy management solutions, and serves clients across the residential, commercial, industrial, and public sectors. For more on EDP and its commitment to accelerating the transition to reliable, affordable, green energy, we caught up with award-winning, long-time employee Marta Louro. C EDP
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