Netra Launches Nine Councils For Net Zero Future

In a bold move to accelerate the transition to a net-zero future, the newly established NetZero Energy Transition Association (NETRA) has launched nine specialized global councils aimed at transforming the clean technology landscape through collaboration, commercialization, and scale-up. These councils, which are member-led and sector-focused, mark a significant step toward aligning the global ecosystem around innovative climate solutions.

Launched on Earth Day 2025, NETRA is a not-for-profit international platform that brings together a cross-sectoral alliance of innovators, manufacturers, investors, researchers, and policymakers. With a mission to catalyze worldwide collaboration and significantly reduce the time it takes for cutting-edge clean technologies to move from development to deployment, NETRA positions itself as a vital connector in the global net-zero transition.

According to Dr. Rahul Walawalkar, President of NETRA, the organization is rooted in the belief that climate action is not merely about reducing risks, but about realizing a new economic paradigm. “The net-zero transition is not just about managing climate risk—it’s about unlocking climate wealth,” he said. “We’re entering an era of transformative opportunity for innovators, manufacturers, and entire economies. But to seize it, we need collaborative ecosystems that transcend national and sectoral boundaries. NETRA’s goal is to bring together the right partners to turn technology breakthroughs into scalable, sustainable impact.”

Despite being a relatively new initiative, NETRA has already attracted an impressive array of collaborators from across the globe. Organizations such as the Earth Day Network, Green Hydrogen Organisation, Norway India Chamber of Commerce & Industry (NICCI), LDES Council, Electrochemical Safety Research Institute (ESRI), UL Research Institute, Microgrid Australia, LIASE Group, and Epsilon Advanced Materials have signed on to support NETRA’s vision. This growing network exemplifies the demand for a cohesive, action-driven framework to drive clean energy technologies beyond the research lab and into global markets.

At the heart of NETRA’s strategy are its nine newly established councils, each tasked with solving a specific set of challenges and opportunities linked to the global energy transition. These include the Advanced Battery Council, which focuses on the development and scaling of next-generation energy storage solutions; the Clean Industry Transition Council, which targets hard-to-abate sectors such as steel and cement; and the Cleantech Investment Council, which aims to mobilize smart capital and reduce risk in deep-tech innovation.

Additional councils include the Grid+ Council, working on digital infrastructure and storage solutions for more flexible power systems, and the Global Policy & Standards Council, which seeks to harmonize regulatory frameworks to create smoother technology adoption pathways. The Manufacturing, Supply Chain & Circular Economy Council is dedicated to building resilient and sustainable supply networks, while the Research, Development & Demonstration (RD&D) Council focuses on bridging the critical gap between lab-scale innovations and real-world applications.

Other key councils include the Sustainable Mobility Council, which is accelerating electrification across road, air, and marine transport, and the Workforce & Skills Development Council, which is preparing a new generation of globally skilled professionals equipped to lead the clean energy future.

Each council is structured to hold weekly sessions that serve as platforms for collaborative learning and action. These sessions are designed to speed up technology adoption readiness, disseminate best practices and early-adopter case studies, coordinate demonstration pilots, and facilitate partnerships that connect startups and established firms with capital, talent, and global market access.

Looking ahead, NETRA is planning a series of member forums that will delve deeper into sectoral priorities and emerging opportunities. Some of the upcoming topics include “Global Battery Manufacturing & Supply Chain Opportunities,” “Safety & Standards as Enablers for Technology Scale-Up,” “Deep-Tech Investment Pathways for Net-Zero Innovation,” and “C&I Decarbonization and Demand Aggregation Models.” A special focus will also be given to “Start-Up Ecosystem Building in Emerging Economies,” highlighting NETRA’s commitment to equity and global inclusivity in the energy transition.

In an era where the urgency of climate action must be matched by the speed and scale of clean technology deployment, NETRA’s model represents a new paradigm for industry leadership. By anchoring its efforts in collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity, NETRA is poised to become a cornerstone of the global clean energy ecosystem—empowering stakeholders across sectors and geographies to move faster and more effectively toward a sustainable future.