Centred around the theme of Rights. Equality. Empowerment, International Women’s Day 2025 marks 30 years of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, which seeks to drastically advance the rights of women and girls across the world. As organisations which enjoys contributions from individuals across the renewable energy sector, Westmill Wind and Solar Co-operatives are proud to be supporting International Women’s Day this year, by celebrating the Women of Westmill.
In line with the co-op principles of voluntary and open membership and democratic member control, the Westmill Co-operatives strive to have a diverse and representative leadership team. The women who serve on the Westmill Wind and Westmill Solar Boards, and as Trustees for our partner organisation WeSET (Westmill Sustainable Energy Trust), help to make the Westmill Co-operatives exemplars of what can be achieved in community renewable energy.
New to the Westmill Solar Board this year, Saskya Huggins has over 30 years’ experience in the voluntary sector and has worked with a wide range of organisations, from entirely volunteer-run initiatives to national and global charities including Comic Relief, UNICEF and Oxfam. She spent the last decade working with Low Carbon Hub to develop and deliver community energy projects across Oxfordshire. She has now moved into consultancy, so she can help a wide range of energy system stakeholders develop smart and fair energy solutions that support the transition to a zero-carbon energy system.
Saskya has been involved with several exciting community energy projects and was a founding Director of both Osney Lock Hydro and West Oxford Community Renewables. And now we are lucky enough to have her on the Board of Westmill Solar Co-operative!
Saskya is the Board lead overseeing the community funding grants which Westmill Solar donate each year to local organisations. Additionally, Saskya has recently joined the advisory board for the Energy Learning Network, supporting community energy projects in the UK. Saskya has also recently become the UK's first assessor for the Community Energy Specialist apprenticeship, helping to develop skilled professionals in the sector. Building expertise in community energy is key to growing its impact and strengthening governance, and through her role at Westmill Solar Cooperative, Saskya is keen to support collaboration and innovation across the sector.
Growing up in the Maldives, one of the most climate-vulnerable countries in the world, Noora Firaq brings first-hand experience of climate change to her work. Her background has fuelled her passion for inclusive global conversations on climate action, specifically about collective power for energy transition and how we finance community-based renewable energy projects.
After Business and Law school, Noora began her career in the UK at the Financial Ombudsman Service and subsequently has worked in and with charities and mission-driven organisations such as Ethex and Westmill Solar Cooperative.
Previously Deputy CEO at Climate Outreach, Noora is very proud of its flagship programme, Britain Talks Climate, which provides evidence that most people in the UK care about climate. Noora has also played a pivotal role, leading teams at UN COP26, 27, and 28, using social science and soft diplomacy to influence Action for Climate Empowerment (Article 12 of the Paris Agreement) negotiations.
Joining the Westmill Wind Board of Directors in June 2024, Noora is excited to use her financial expertise and knowledge of public engagement from around the world to support the co-op and maximise its impact over the coming years. Noora believes the Westmill Wind Farm Co-op story is a success story that can inspire more renewable energy co-ops to accelerate the energy transition we need.
Alex Molton began her role as Communications and Support Officer for Westmill Wind and Solar Co-operatives in October 2024.
Having worked for Oxfordshire Green Party, the National Trust and Oxford University, Alex has gained experience in marketing, communications and Board administration.
With ambitions to live as sustainably as possible and a commitment to green living, Alex is the closest team member to the Westmill site. Alex is excited to see the power of renewable energy within her own community, as well as the long-lasting positive effects that the Wind and Solar farm have had in the local area, in switching people on to the climate crisis and giving residents an opportunity to feel that they can play a part in addressing the issue and improving the future.
Together with existing Board members Jess Dunning (Westmill Wind), Angela Bryant (Westmill Solar), Mairi Brookes (Westmill Solar) and Sarah Flood (Energy4All) these women help to shape the future of Westmill and play an important role in the future of community renewable energy.
