The Association of Electricity Distribution System Operators (Elder) has joined the Utilities for Net Zero Alliance (UNEZA), an international platform that brings together major electricity and utility organizations to accelerate the global energy transition and support net-zero goals, the association announced on Friday.
Through its membership, Elder will represent Türkiye's 21 electricity distribution companies within UNEZA's international cooperation framework.
Elder Secretary General Fakir Hüseyin Erdoğan said Türkiye's electricity distribution sector has an extensive network covering all 81 provinces, backed by significant investment capacity and decades of operational experience.
He said the association aims to bring this expertise to the global energy agenda through its UNEZA membership.
"We do not view UNEZA membership simply as participation in an international initiative. We see it as an important step toward enabling Türkiye’s electricity distribution sector to contribute knowledge, experience and solutions to the global energy agenda," he said.
Erdoğan added that Elder would share its field experience with UNEZA while also using the platform to bring international best practices, innovative technologies and emerging policy approaches to Türkiye.
- Power grids central to energy transition
Erdoğan said the energy transition is no longer driven solely by the expansion of generation capacity, noting that the rapid growth of renewable energy, distributed generation, electric vehicles and energy storage is fundamentally reshaping electricity networks.
"Electricity grids are no longer merely infrastructure that delivers power to consumers. They are becoming dynamic ecosystems where generation, consumption, storage and new technologies are managed together," he said.
Erdogan stressed that the success of energy transition depends on developing "strong, digital, flexible and climate-resilient grids."
He stressed that achieving a successful energy transition depends on building "strong, digital, flexible and climate-resilient grids."
Erdoğan added that as electrification accelerates across buildings, transportation and industry, expanding the capacity, flexibility and resilience of distribution networks is becoming increasingly important.
- UNEZA cooperation seen supporting Türkiye's COP31 vision
Erdoğan said Türkiye's preparations for hosting COP31 present an opportunity to highlight the strategic role of electricity distribution networks in the energy transition.
"We believe electricity distribution networks should be strongly recognized at COP31 as one of the key pillars of energy transition," he said.
Erdogan added that cooperation developed through UNEZA could contribute to Türkiye’s COP31 vision and the future of the country’s energy system. He said the sector would continue working to build future-ready grids, ensure the secure integration of renewable energy and support Türkiye’s energy and climate targets.
Established during COP28, UNEZA brings together organizations from the electricity and utility sectors. Guided by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and the UN Climate Change High-Level Champions, the alliance focuses on expanding electrification, integrating renewable energy, strengthening power grids and accelerating clean energy investment.
By Duygu Alhan
Anadolu Agency
energy@aa.com.tr
