Utilities for Net Zero Alliance

About

The Utilities for Net Zero Alliance (UNEZA) was established at COP28 with the adoption of the UAE Declaration of Action. This Alliance unites leading global utilities and power companies with the aim of spearheading the development of grids that are ready for renewable energy, promoting clean energy solutions, and advancing electrification efforts. UNEZA operates under the guidance of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and the UN Climate Change High-Level Champions, ensuring a focused and strategic approach to achieving a sustainable energy future.

UNEZA’s Members and Partners recognize that the key to unlocking the utility sector’s global energy transition potential lies in the ability to deliberately target existing structural, regulatory, and financial impediments and challenges that may stand in the way of progress.

Members and Partners work proactively to address the barriers through global cooperation, knowledge development and public-private consultations facilitated by IRENA, and the UN Climate Change High-Level Champions and other Ecosystem Partners.

Mission and Vision

UNEZA is an international platform for co-operation within the power and utilities sector, to address and overcome the common barriers hindering the achievement of emissions reduction targets and the realization of global net zero ambitions. Through the platform, the Alliance will shape dynamic new partnerships in the sector and forge effective channels for dialogue with key public and private stakeholders.

“UNEZA is at the forefront, modernizing utilities for a resilient, renewable future.”

“IRENA's World Energy Transitions Outlook underscores the necessity of tripling renewable power by 2030. UNEZA is at the forefront, modernizing utilities for a resilient, renewable future.”

Francesco La Camera Director-General of IRENA

“Utilities play a crucial role in delivering mitigation measures that align global development with a net zero future.”

“Utilities play a crucial role in delivering mitigation measures that align global development with a net zero future and are central to a future energy system that is in harmony with nature and the environment. We look forward to working on the design and delivery of the action plan during COP28 and beyond and invite utilities worldwide to join this community and demonstrate a commitment to action.”

H.E. Razan Al Mubarak UN Climate Change High-Level Champion

“Utilities are on the frontlines of global energy sector transformation.”

“Utilities are on the frontlines of global energy sector transformation, and as such we recognize the responsibility we hold to lead our respective national climate action agendas. This global initiative responds to the COP28 action agenda and demonstrates a determination from the sector to accelerate the energy transition through collaboration, partnership, and a clear focus on addressing the current challenges.”

Jasim Husain Thabet TAQA’s Group Chief Executive Officer and UNEZA Co-Chair

“Utilities can – and must – lead from the front. This Alliance is about demonstrating this leadership in a very practical way.”

“Making bold and ambitious commitments is important, but they count for nothing without meaningful action on the ground to make them a reality. This is where utilities can – and must – lead from the front. This Alliance is about demonstrating this leadership in a very practical way, focusing on the real-life barriers, and enablers, to achieving our collective goal. Collaboration will be vital, and we are therefore delighted to be part of this new and diverse coalition of progressive global utilities committed to an accelerated energy transition.”

Alistair Phillips-Davies Chief Executive of SSE plc and UNEZA Co-Chair

Members and Partners

Partners

Members

Focus Areas

UNEZA's structured approach to achieving the net zero target highlights six focus areas that encompass various aspects of sustainability and the clean energy transition. Members of UNEZA acknowledge and share a desire to work towards these focus areas from now until 2050. These focus areas are further divided into four pillars driving change in the areas: mobilize capital, supply chain, capabilities and talent, and policy and regulatory support.

The UNEZA Ambition Framework below illustrates these interconnected elements as part of our strategic plan for a sustainable and resilient energy future.

Join the Alliance

Be a part of the change

Join UNEZA in accelerating the energy transition. Our membership is open to utilities, technology companies, and knowledge Partners. To apply to become a Member of UNEZA, please fill out the membership form and email it to uneza@irena.org.

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