emirates7 - Francesco La Camera, Director-General of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), emphasized that the World Utilities Congress 2025—held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council—is a vital progression of the Utilities for Net Zero Alliance (UNEZA). Themed “Innovating for a New Age of Utilities,” the event reflects ongoing efforts to accelerate the energy transition.
UNEZA, which was launched in Abu Dhabi in 2023 in the lead-up to COP28 in Dubai, was hailed by La Camera as a timely and bold response to the changing global energy landscape. Developed in collaboration with TAQA, the initiative aims to accelerate renewable energy adoption and more resilient, interconnected energy networks. Since its inception, the alliance has seen notable growth, now including over 60 utility companies worldwide.
La Camera highlighted the increasingly pivotal role of utility companies in the renewable energy transition. He stressed the urgent need for significant investment in electricity grids to ensure they are modern, resilient, and capable of integrating large volumes of clean energy. Utility companies, he said, must now assume a leading position in this transformation.
He pointed out that UNEZA has helped shape international discussions on how best to incorporate renewables into energy systems. However, he emphasized that the next crucial step is turning these discussions and commitments into real-world implementation.
Looking ahead, La Camera shared that IRENA plans to craft region-specific strategies tailored to the unique needs of different parts of the world. These efforts aim to foster a globally interconnected energy system better equipped to accommodate renewable sources.
He concluded by noting that the strong international participation at the congress reflects UNEZA’s growing importance and the increasing global momentum to modernize and expand energy infrastructure.
UNEZA, which was launched in Abu Dhabi in 2023 in the lead-up to COP28 in Dubai, was hailed by La Camera as a timely and bold response to the changing global energy landscape. Developed in collaboration with TAQA, the initiative aims to accelerate renewable energy adoption and more resilient, interconnected energy networks. Since its inception, the alliance has seen notable growth, now including over 60 utility companies worldwide.
La Camera highlighted the increasingly pivotal role of utility companies in the renewable energy transition. He stressed the urgent need for significant investment in electricity grids to ensure they are modern, resilient, and capable of integrating large volumes of clean energy. Utility companies, he said, must now assume a leading position in this transformation.
He pointed out that UNEZA has helped shape international discussions on how best to incorporate renewables into energy systems. However, he emphasized that the next crucial step is turning these discussions and commitments into real-world implementation.
Looking ahead, La Camera shared that IRENA plans to craft region-specific strategies tailored to the unique needs of different parts of the world. These efforts aim to foster a globally interconnected energy system better equipped to accommodate renewable sources.
He concluded by noting that the strong international participation at the congress reflects UNEZA’s growing importance and the increasing global momentum to modernize and expand energy infrastructure.