It is a further confirmation that collaborating can significantly lead to an effective energy transition. Jointly created by Enel, Schneider Electric and the WEF, the report of the “Net Zero Carbon Cities - Systemic Efficiency Initiative” sets the vision to accelerate decarbonization and resiliency initiatives in cities around the world. In particular, the report outlines the needs and benefits deriving from an integrated energy approach in the design and management of buildings and mobility, leveraging on a digitalized and intelligent grid infrastructure in an urban context.
The global framework report was developed within the WEF’s “Net Zero Carbon Cities - Systemic Efficiency Initiative”, which is co-chaired by Enel CEO and General Manager Francesco Starace and Schneider Electric Chairman and CEO Jean-Pascal Tricoire. Since the launching of the initiative one year ago, the two international companies have been working with the community to accelerate the transition to zero carbon emissions in 100 cities by 2030.
"Enel wants to contribute to the development of a sustainable urban vision for the future by collaborating with global partners to integrate electrification, smart digital technologies, efficient buildings and infrastructures"
Francesco Starace, Enel CEO
Commenting on the report, Enel CEO and General Manager Francesco Starace stressed that “we have to work together in order to ensure a successful energy transition, calling on local and national public administrations, private sector operators and civil society to take on a common agenda to reduce emissions”. Cities account for about 70% of global carbon emissions and consume 78% of the planet’s energy: this makes such an approach critical to reaching the target of limiting the global warming to 1.5⁰C above pre-industrial levels.
“Electricity has already proved to be the lifeblood of cities. This will increasingly be the case as electrification grows around the world”, said Francesco Starace. As a global leader in the energy sector, Enel is therefore strongly committed to contributing to “the development of a sustainable urban vision for the future by collaborating with global partners to integrate electrification, smart digital technologies, efficient buildings and infrastructures”. Enel CEO and General Manager Francesco Starace and Schneider Electric Chairman and CEO Jean-Pascal Tricoire also addressed these issues during the “Building ‘Net Zero’ Cities” event, which was held on 25 January at the Davos Agenda 2021.
Enel editorial staff