At Climate Week NYC, Razan Al Mubarak delivered the opening remarks at the UNEZA (Utilities for Net Zero Alliance) event “Accelerating Large Energy Grid Projects”, where 39 partners, including 32 of the world’s leading utilities and energy companies, committed to investing over US $116 billion annually in clean power generation and grid infrastructure to accelerate net zero targets in the power sector.
Launched at COP28 UAE, UNEZA serves over 315 million customers globally and aims to significantly expand and modernize grid systems, with 48% of the investments targeting transmission and distribution. This initiative marks a pivotal step in accelerating our decarbonization journey and transforming our power systems.
Ms. Al Mubarak, who is UN High-Level Climate Champion for COP28 UAE, stated:
“The time to act is now. The key to unlocking the utility sector’s energy transition potential lies in the ability to target structural, regulatory, and financial challenges. We are grateful to the members and partners who work proactively to address these barriers through global cooperation. It is imperative that protecting nature and biodiversity be integral to this transition.”
Ms. Al Mubarak also participated in "Global Renewables Summit: Strengthening Resilient and Diverse Supply Chains for Renewable Energy,” a high-profile discussion about the role of underrepresented regions in renewable energy supply chains and how they can contribute to tripling global renewable energy capacity.
The event was organized by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and GRA, along with the COP28 UAE and COP29 Azerbaijan presidencies.