The world is in the process of changing its energy model at such an unbelievable rate that it dwarfs all previous economic revolutions in terms of size and scope. We are seeing the last days of fossil fuel dependence and the start of a new energy path that is decentralized and carbon-free. More than just a new way of doing things, this transition represents an entirely different way for humanity to harness energy and advance civilization. Until quite recently, many believed that the economy and the environment were intertwined in such a way that growth would always be accompanied by carbon emissions.
Now, large companies, once responsible for creating the climate crisis, have become the leading forces in the effort to solve this problem. Today, they are no longer asking if they will go green but rather when they will go green and how quickly they can do it without jeopardizing their positions as leaders in their industries. Who ultimately succeeds in this revolutionary transition will largely depend upon the insight and ability of a select few individuals within companies who are able to create a connection between the broad goals of climate change mitigation and the realities of the energy marketplace.
Marina Sergeeva stands at the center of this global pivot. As a Senior Consultant for Corporate PPAs and Green Energy Procurement at DNV, with over a decade of experience working across Europe, the Middle East, and emerging energy markets, she supports global organizations in designing practical pathways to decarbonisation. Her role is multifaceted: she is a strategist, a technical expert, and a contributor to the development of data-driven and digital approaches to energy procurement. While her office may be within a global consultancy, her work spans mature and emerging markets — from the wind farms of Poland and solar fields of Spain to corporate boardrooms across the Middle East and beyond. She does not just advise on change; she engineers the mechanisms that make that change permanent.
The Foundation of a Dual Perspective
Marina’s journey toward becoming a vanguard of the energy transition began with a deliberate academic path that combined business logic with environmental science. She attended the prestigious University of Edinburgh, where she first earned her Masters of Arts with Honours in Business Studies. This provided her with a foundational understanding of market dynamics, organizational behavior, and the financial frameworks that drive corporate decision making. However, Marina Sergeeva realized early on that a traditional business education was only one half of the puzzle. To solve the climate crisis, she knew she needed to understand the mechanics of carbon itself.
She continued her studies at Edinburgh, securing a Master of Science in Carbon Management. This second degree was a turning point. It allowed her to see the world through a dual lens: she could analyze a balance sheet with the precision of a CFO, but she could also interpret carbon emission factors with the accuracy of a climate scientist. This rare “bilingual” ability- the capacity to navigate both commercial decision-making and carbon accounting, became her greatest professional asset. It is this unique intersection of skills that allows her to navigate the complex world of Corporate Power Purchase Agreements (cPPAs), where financial viability and environmental impact are inextricably linked.
Early Lessons in Leadership
Long before she was navigating global energy markets, Marina Sergeeva was honing her leadership style in the high-energy environment of student governance. At the University of Edinburgh, she was elected as the Sports Union President. This was no honorary title; it was a massive operational role that put her in charge of 64 different sports clubs and a vast, diverse membership. For a young student, this was an introduction to the complexities of large-scale management. She was responsible for budgets, conflict resolution, and the strategic direction of an organization that served thousands of people.
This period was her first real “trial by fire.” She learned that leadership is not about having all the answers, but about creating an environment where a team can find those answers together. She discovered the importance of transparency, the necessity of clear communication, and the value of diversity. Managing 64 clubs meant dealing with 64 different sets of priorities and personalities. It taught her how to build consensus among groups that did not always see eye-to-eye. These early lessons in diplomacy and organizational agility provided the blueprint for the leadership philosophy she carries today at DNV.
The Defining Moment: Building from the Ground Up
Every leader has a “crucible” moment, a period of intense pressure that tests their resolve and refines their character. For Marina Sergeeva, this moment occurred within the walls of DNV. As part of a small team, she was tasked with growing and shaping a brand-new service area within the global organization.
This was a daunting challenge, compounded by the fact that the team’s structure was currently evolving, and several senior leaders were transitioning to other roles. Marina Sergeeva was presented with a choice: she could wait for a new structure to be handed to her, or she could step into the vacuum and build the future herself.
She chose the latter. Working alongside capable leaders and technical experts, she began building a renewable energy procurement service from the ground up. This was not just about creating a new revenue stream; it was about defining a new way for DNV to provide value to its clients in an increasingly green-conscious market. The pressure was immense, but so was the opportunity. Marina Sergeeva thrived in this environment of high stakes and high responsibility, learning leadership principles from seasoned colleagues while developing her own approach. This experience solidified her belief that leadership is defined by action, especially when the path forward is unmapped. It taught her how to make decisions with real commercial and strategic consequences, a skill that now serves her every day as she co-leads this service and guides clients through the volatile energy markets of today.
A Philosophy of Intellectual Rigor
Marina’s approach to her work is grounded in what she calls “intellectual rigor.” In the fast-moving and often speculative world of energy consulting, it is easy to fall back on trends or buzzwords. Marina Sergeeva refuses to do this. She believes that information is the most powerful tool a leader has. For her, staying deeply connected to the technical details of her work is not just a job requirement; it is a source of credibility and calmness. When she sits down with a client to discuss a global renewable procurement strategy, she does so with a command of the data that is absolute.
This rigor allows her to challenge the status quo. She uses data to dismantle old assumptions and provide her clients with a clear-eyed view of their options. In a market where power prices can swing wildly, and regulations can change overnight, Marina Sergeeva provides a “factual anchor.” She stays ahead of market developments, ensuring that her advice is not just theoretically sound but practically applicable in the real world. She knows that in consulting, trust is built on the quality of the insights you provide. By maintaining a high standard of intellectual discipline, she ensures that her team and her clients are always making decisions from a position of strength.
Mastering the Corporate PPA
At the heart of Marina’s technical work is the Corporate Power Purchase Agreement (cPPA). These are long-term contracts where a corporation agrees to buy electricity directly from a renewable energy generator. It is one of the most effective tools for decarbonization, but it is also one of the most complex tools. A single agreement can involve intricate legal structures, financial hedging, and long-term risk assessments. Marina Sergeeva has developed deep expertise in this space, having successfully advised on these agreements across diverse markets in Europe and in markets further afield such as Zambia and Singapore.
In these countries, Marina Sergeeva does more than help her clients sign contracts; she helps shape the local energy landscape. Every cPPA she facilitates is a signal to the market that there is a long-term demand for green energy. This, in turn, encourages developers to build more wind and solar capacity. She supports her clients by translating these complex market dynamics into robust, technically credible solutions. Her work extends beyond corporate transactions to include supporting governments in the Middle East, including Egypt and Jordan, to set up regulatory frameworks that allow for green energy procurement and facilitate a market for renewable energy certificates and corporate PPAs. Through her work, green energy is moving from a “niche” environmental choice to a mainstream corporate strategy.
A Global Perspective on Diversity
Working across Europe and the Middle East has given Marina Sergeeva a profound appreciation for the power of diversity. She understands that every market has its own cultural nuances and regulatory quirks. She approaches every project with a “learner’s mindset,” seeking to understand the local context before offering advice. She knows that a solution that works in Europe may not be the right fit for a client in the Middle East.
She is a strong advocate for diversity of thought within her team and the wider organization. She knows that when you bring together people from different backgrounds, you get a richer set of ideas and a more robust strategy. This commitment to diversity is especially important in the energy sector. As a visionary woman leader, Marina Sergeeva is part of a new generation that is breaking down these barriers and proving that a more inclusive industry is a more effective one.
The Advice of a Visionary
Marina Sergeeva has a clear message for the next generation of leaders: never be complacent. She believes that in a world as dynamic as energy, standing still is the same as falling behind. She encourages young professionals to stay curious, to keep investing in their own learning, and to remain ahead of the curve. She tells them not to fear change, but to lean into it. In her view, opportunities are rarely handed out; they are created by those who are willing to step forward and take responsibility.
She also emphasizes the importance of alignment. Authentic leadership, she says, comes from ensuring that your daily actions match your core values. For her, that value is a commitment to creating a sustainable future. If you focus on creating real value- for your clients, your team, and the planet, professional success will naturally follow. Resilience is not something you are born with; it is something you build through the experience of facing challenges head-on.
A Legacy in Progress
As Marina Sergeeva looks toward 2026 and beyond, her focus remains on the measurable impact of her work. She is not interested in empty promises or “greenwashing.” She wants to see real wind turbines, real solar panels, and real reductions in corporate carbon footprints. She is building a legacy of credible, impactful solutions that will outlast any single project.
The journey toward a green future is long and difficult, but with leaders like Marina Sergeeva at the helm, there is a clear sense of momentum. She is a reminder that the energy transition is not just a technical challenge, but a human one. It requires visionaries who can see the future, but it also requires experts who can build it. Marina Sergeeva brings together both vision and execution, contributing to the foundations of a cleaner energy system with much more still to come. As the sun rises on a new era of energy, Marina Sergeeva is there, ensuring that the world is ready to meet it with clarity, rigor, and a human touch.
