Key points:

• Laura Azpilicueta’s journey began with a deep commitment to sustainability, starting in photovoltaics and evolving into leadership roles in energy storage and circular economy solutions.

• As EMEA Business Development Director for ESS at Ampace, she focuses on driving business growth by identifying new market opportunities, forging strategic partnerships, expanding the customer base, and ensuring long-term sustainability through innovative solutions and strong industry positioning.

• Ms. Azpilicueta is a strong advocate for women in the renewable energy sector, recognizing the importance of diversity and inclusion in driving innovation and solving complex challenges.

The hum of progress, the whir of innovation—these are the sounds that define the career of Laura Azpilicueta. A leading figure in the renewable energy sector, Ms. Azpilicueta, EMEA Business Development Director for ESS at Ampace Technology Limited, occupies a unique position at the intersection of technology and sustainability.

This month’s “Tech Innovators” issue profiles Ms. Azpilicueta as one of the 10 most influential women in tech for 2025, a distinction earned through her tireless advocacy for and implementation of carbon-neutral solutions.

From her foundational work in photovoltaics to her current leadership in advanced energy storage systems, Ms. Azpilicueta’s trajectory reflects a deep commitment to addressing the world’s energy challenges.

How did a nascent interest in environmental stewardship evolve into a career that’s now powering a global shift toward cleaner energy?

What strategic vision guides her work at Ampace, positioning the company at the forefront of the evolving energy landscape? And what insights does this influential voice offer to the growing ranks of women shaping the future of technology?

This cover story explores the journey of a leader who is not simply observing the transition to a sustainable future; she is actively engineering it.

MR: What sparked your journey into the renewable energy sector, and how has your career evolved to where you are today?

Ms. Azpilicueta: My passion for renewable energy stems from a deep commitment to finding solutions for global energy and environmental challenges. My engineering degree provided a strong technical foundation, crucial for understanding the complexities of these technologies. 

However, I recognized the importance of integrating this technical knowledge with a deep understanding of market dynamics and customer needs. Therefore, I pursued further education in marketing and customer relations in the USA and UK. This combination has given me a holistic, global perspective, allowing me to seamlessly integrate technical knowledge with strategic thinking across all my professional roles.

Initially, I focused on the photovoltaic sector, working with manufacturers and developers to implement advanced solar solutions. This journey provided invaluable technical expertise and market insights. 

Furthermore, founding a PV recycling company deepened my understanding of lifecycle sustainability and the circular economy. This venture highlighted the importance of minimizing waste and maximizing resource efficiency. 

This endeavor solidified my dedication to sustainable practices. I saw firsthand how renewable energy offers dual benefits—protecting the environment while driving economic growth. Carbon neutrality and sustainable energy present not just challenges, but also significant opportunities for innovation and leadership. My career is rooted in this belief. 

Looking back, my journey has reinforced my dedication to sustainable practices, demonstrating the dual benefits of renewable energy for both the environment and the economy. Through technological advancements and strategic partnerships, I believe, we can transform the vision of a carbon-neutral world into reality. Together, we can embrace this challenge and pave the way for a sustainable and prosperous future.

MR: You’ve worn a few hats in the renewable energy world, from starting your own consulting firm to now leading business development at AMPACE. How have these experiences influenced your approach to growing the renewable energy sector?

Ms. Azpilicueta: Starting Global Green Energy Consulting (GGEC) was an incredible experience. I got to collaborate with diverse stakeholders and develop tailored, market-driven renewable energy solutions. That really taught me how to balance innovation with practical, real-world implementation and smart growth strategies. A big part of that was helping clients worldwide find the best products so their renewable energy projects would be both profitable and efficient.  Creating those tailored strategies for each company was a real challenge, but also incredibly rewarding.

That experience has been invaluable in my role at Xiamen Ampace Technology Ltd. Having worked in diverse markets and tackled complex challenges, I’ve developed a global mindset. This helps me make sure Ampace’s solutions not only meet industry needs but also support our sustainability objectives. I believe in integrating technical know-how with strategic collaboration, and that’s how I try to drive real change in the renewable energy transition while helping Ampace grow in the EMEA market.

MR: The renewable energy sector is constantly changing. What are some of the key challenges you see, and how is Ampace addressing them?

Ms. Azpilicueta: The renewable energy and tech sectors are evolving rapidly, which brings challenges like fluctuating demand, cost pressures, and the need for seamless integration of innovative solutions. One of the biggest hurdles is matching cutting-edge tech with diverse market needs while keeping things cost-effective and reliable. Being responsive to market demands is absolutely crucial.

Ampace combines both innovation and reliability in battery technology. The company has built an impressive reputation across multiple industries—energy storage, e-mobility, drones, and serving more than 50 million customers across 30 countries.

With a legacy spanning more than 25 years as a pioneer in cell manufacturing, dating back to ATL’s inception of pouch cell production in 1999, we possess a significant competitive advantage that enables us to innovate rapidly. Our solutions are designed to meet a wide range of applications, from Residential Energy Storage to C&I systems in the ESS market.

Another strength is our commitment to loyalty and collaboration. We build strong partnerships with our clients, ensuring our solutions meet their sustainability and operational goals. In this competitive market, Ampace’s commitment is not to compete against its customers in the RESS market. We’re committed to supporting their success by providing products that keep them at the forefront of the market—their success is our success.

MR: What’s your strategy for driving growth in the energy storage sector, and how does Ampace’s commitment to R&D play a role?

Ms. Azpilicueta: As EMEA Business Development Director for ESS, I keep a close eye on continuous market evaluation, which helps me advise both our clients and our R&D team on what’s coming next. One of the main reasons I joined Ampace is their dedication to R&D. It really puts us at the cutting edge of energy storage technology.

We are committed to providing our clients with the latest technology that meets the highest quality standards. My role is to serve as the bridge between our clients’ needs and Ampace’s developments.

Driven by innovation, Ampace is committed to delivering diverse, scenario-based solutions. In the C&I sector, our UniC series features the industry’s first “Zero Liquid Cooling, Zero Air Conditioner” revolutionary technology. This design allows for efficient operation across a wide temperature range while maintaining a minimalistic aesthetic, effectively reducing operation and maintenance costs and eliminating potential risks.

These strategies align with decarbonization goals and regional energy policies, reinforcing Ampace’s position as a market leader and accelerating the global transition toward a resilient, low-carbon energy ecosystem.

MR: Could you tell us about any recent breakthroughs or technologies Ampace has developed that are helping renewable energy adoption?

Ms. Azpilicueta: Absolutely. We’ve made some exciting progress across our product lines.  For Energy Storage Systems (ESS), our Kunlun series batteries are game-changers. They offer more than double the throughput of typical batteries and have an incredible cycle life—over 15,000 cycles while maintaining over 80% State of Health (SOH), and even over 70% SOH after 20,000 cycles. This effectively doubles the lifespan of lithium batteries in ESS, matching the 20-year lifespan of solar panels. This means customers don’t have to worry about replacing batteries halfway through their solar projects, saving them a ton of money – about 30% on electricity costs over the lifetime of the system.

For Micro Electric Vehicles (MEV), our Kun-Era battery series is pushing the boundaries of e-mobility. These batteries are designed for two-wheeler manufacturers and meet the growing demand for sustainable urban transport. They offer high performance with a discharge rate of up to 180A and a lifespan of over eight years. Their modular design also simplifies production across various e-motorcycle models. We’ve already launched these in over 30 countries and have had over 200,000 orders – which shows how much demand there is for this kind of technology.

Finally, in our Power Batteries division, the JP30 cylindrical lithium battery redefines what is possible with 18650 batteries. Its compact design delivers superior ultra-high power performance. We’ve boosted the power output, lifespan, and charging speed, which makes power tools much more efficient. This is just the beginning of our JP series, and we are excited about what’s coming next – making power tools more convenient and eco-friendly.

MR: Ampace emphasizes innovation and sustainability. How do these values translate into your products and overall company practices?

Ms. Azpilicueta:  We believe you can’t really innovate unless you deeply understand the technology and the products you’re working with. That’s how you figure out what the market and your customers really need. Our company’s vision is “to be a world-class innovative technology company, to make outstanding contributions to mankind’s new energy industry, and to improve the spiritual and material well-being of all employees.”

We live by core values of “ultimate safety, ultimate reliability, ultimate performance, and ultimate experience,” and strive to exceed user expectations. And ultimately, we want to lead the way to a greener, net-zero future.

We’re serious about sustainability too. We’ve got an EcoVadis bronze medal, which puts us in the top 20% of companies worldwide for how we handle sustainability. Our score is higher than 80% of participating companies worldwide. We’ve also earned ISO 14001 EMS certification, built a 26.289 MWp rooftop PV power system, and are actively developing a low-carbon park to maximize renewable energy use.

Beyond environmental responsibility, we’re also committed to social responsibility. We’ve achieved ISO 45001 OH&S certification, focusing on employee well-being and strengthening supply chain partnerships. We aim for win-win relationships with our employees, partners, and the industry as a whole. Finally, strong corporate governance is essential. Ampace has a robust system in place to ensure our decisions are transparent and well-informed. Our Code of Conduct Committee promotes a culture of integrity and ethical behavior.

MR: You’ve received quite a few international awards and nominations. What do these recognitions mean to you, and what experiences have been most formative in your career?

Ms. Azpilicueta: It’s a real honor to be recognized with these awards. It really validates all the work I’ve been fortunate to be part of in the renewable energy sector. My journey started at Madico Inc., where I got my first taste of photovoltaics. That experience sparked my passion for renewable energy and gave me the foundation I needed to grow.

Founding Global Green Energy Consulting (GGEC) allowed me to connect market strategies with real-world solutions. My long-term involvement with the CleanTech Business Club (CBC) as Chair for Spain has also been incredibly valuable, giving me a platform to advocate for the energy transition and promote women in the industry.

Joining Ampace was a breath of fresh air. I was immediately impressed by the number of women in leadership positions and their strong support network. From day one, I felt welcomed and included. Even though I was the only Western female employee, I always felt embraced. Of course, there were some cultural and language differences, but we worked through them together. I adapted, and my colleagues made a real effort to connect with me.

One recognition I’m particularly proud of is the one from EmpowerHerEnergy. It really highlights the importance of diversity and mentorship. Raluca Buna is doing amazing work with her organization, and I hope to be able to offer similar support to the next generation.

I want to help them thrive, just like I’ve been supported, and to continue making a real difference in the renewable energy transition.

MR: How do you see the role of women evolving in the renewable energy sector, and what impact is this having on the industry?

Ms. Azpilicueta: The role of women in technology and sustainability is changing dramatically. These fields have traditionally been male-dominated, but we’re seeing a real shift. Women are increasingly taking on leadership roles and driving innovation, bringing diverse perspectives that are essential for tackling complex challenges. This evolution is happening because more and more people recognize that gender diversity boosts creativity and problem-solving.

It’s not just about having more women in these industries; it’s about recognizing the unique strengths and insights women bring. It’s about adding to what’s already there, not replacing it. As we break down barriers and create more inclusive environments, I’m confident women will play a crucial role in building a sustainable and technologically advanced future.

I believe striving for diversity—both gender and cultural—is essential. It makes us stronger and gives us richer perspectives. This diversity allows us to be more flexible and find better solutions to move us forward.

MR: What kind of legacy do you hope to leave in the renewable energy sector?

Ms. Azpilicueta: I hope to be remembered as someone passionate about my work, dedicated to making a positive impact, and committed to changing how we approach renewable energy. I’ve always focused on helping clients see the value of our solutions and supporting those around me in achieving their goals. I’ve been fortunate to have mentors and opportunities throughout my career, which has reinforced my belief in the power of collaboration—across genders, cultures, and perspectives.

I believe flexibility, honesty, and mutual support are essential, and I try to live by those values. I want to create projects that contribute to a sustainable future. I firmly believe that individual success isn’t enough in an industry that aims to do good for humanity and the planet.

More than anything, I hope my story inspires other women to see the possibilities ahead, even when facing challenges. I’d be truly happy knowing I supported others and helped build projects that not only succeed on their own but also contribute to a better future for everyone.

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Also Read: Tech Innovators: The 10 Most Influential Women in 2025