United Nations officials used a November 12 COP31 event in Antalya to focus on electricity networks that cannot yet connect planned renewable, storage and large-load projects. UNOPS said more than 2,500 gigawatts of projects are waiting for grid connections worldwide.
The Global Grids Accelerator is intended to coordinate planning, regulation, project preparation and financing, with initial work in Africa and Southeast Asia. Examples identified by UNOPS include integrated planning in eight African countries, cross-border projects in Southern Africa and an assessment of Indonesian power interconnection.
The announcement is a coordination framework, not proof that every listed line is financed or under construction. Projects still require technical studies, environmental and social review, agreements, procurement and capital before they can deliver electricity.
Progress should be measured through completed plans, finance commitments, interconnections and reliable service. Grid expansion can support cleaner generation, but local safeguards and transparent cost allocation remain necessary when regional ambitions move into individual projects. The accelerator's initial geographic focus also means it should be judged by whether participating countries can set priorities rather than by a single global capacity headline.
Primary sources: UN Secretary-General COP31 briefing; UNOPS Global Grids Accelerator remarks. Reviewed November 13, 2026. Development: COP31 high-level event held November 12, 2026.