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Women in Energy – Natalie Shanahan

 

“Energy is full of complex challenges that require diverse thinking to create value.”

 – Natalie Shanahan, Manager, C&I Commercial – Decarbonisation and Customer Strategy, AGL

Portrait photo of Meg Downie at AGL offices Portrait photo of Meg Downie at AGL offices

I help businesses transition to a lower-carbon future

I lead AGL’s Commercial team, driving the delivery of tailored decarbonisation solutions for our Commercial and Industrial (C&I) business customers. 

Our work spans behind-the-meter and retail power purchase agreements, renewable power stations, microgrids, solar, batteries, operations and maintenance, demand response, and gas and electricity solutions. 

We’re not just executing deals – we’re solving complex problems, aligning commercial outcomes with sustainability goals, and helping our customers navigate an increasingly dynamic energy landscape to accelerate their transition to a lower-carbon economy. Each year, we start work on more than 200 construction projects at our customers’ sites.

Beyond my core role I represent AGL as a director on the board of A2EP (Australian Alliance for Energy Productivity).  

My formative career years taught me invaluable lessons

My career in energy started 15 years ago, but the path here was far from straight.

I began as a banking graduate, then trained as a mergers and acquisitions lawyer in the energy and resources sector. Those formative years were a masterclass in resilience – working with some of the most experienced partners in the industry. Their real-time (and direct!) feedback built the foundation for my technical expertise, negotiation skills, and ability to think critically under pressure.  

Curious to get closer to the sector, I joined one of the world’s largest oil and gas companies, where I was the lawyer for one of Australia’s last remaining oil refineries and its wholesale fuels business. I then proactively sought a secondment into a commercial role, where I operated as a scheduler at the sharp edge of fuel supply security across a portfolio of terminals in Australia.

Drawn to AGL's investment in renewables, I joined five years ago. I supported our thermal and renewable assets as a lawyer and focused on delivering good work, learning about the whole business and building strong relationships. That work helped open doors to my current role.

The energy industry never stands still

Energy is more than an industry – it’s a catalyst for global transformation. It’s constantly evolving and full of complex challenges that require diverse thinking to create value.

The most rewarding aspect of working in energy is knowing that each day’s efforts contribute to something far greater. It’s not just about influencing markets – it’s about shaping the future of energy for generations to come.

As someone who thrives on creativity and delivering value for people and businesses, I love being in an environment where adaptability and innovation aren’t just encouraged but essential. 

Don’t be intimidated by the industry, be curious and stay engaged

I’ve spent my entire career in male-dominated environments, and while that has come with its challenges, it has also reinforced the importance of getting critical experience, nurturing relationships, backing yourself and creating opportunities rather than waiting for them.

The energy industry needs diverse voices, perspectives, and people who reflect the stakeholders we serve. 

My advice? If you’re a woman or girl interested in working in energy, start following energy news, attend free energy conferences, listen to podcasts, and ask questions. Remember, even industry experts are still learning.

And most importantly, build and nurture relationships. It isn’t about who you know – it’s about creating your circle of influence where knowledge, opportunities and support flow both ways.  

I’ve seen firsthand the power of having women at the table. My mother shattered barriers as one of the first female engineers in Sri Lanka in the 70s, and I’m raising three daughters who, like all girls, deserve to see no limits on their potential.  


Join us in shaping an inclusive energy future


We’re focused on driving change across our business toward a more gender equal AGL so we can continue to play a leading role in creating an inclusive energy future for Australia. Interested in joining us?