COP31 hosts propose 35% global electrification target by 2035

Turkey and Australia, co-presidents of the upcoming COP31 climate summit, have put forth an ambitious target: to raise the global share of electricity in final energy demand from just over 20% to 35% by 2035. This "35x35" goal is a central piece of an action agenda launched at the Bonn climate meeting, designed to align with the Paris Agreement's objective of limiting global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.

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The current global energy crisis is accelerating the world’s shift into the Age of Electricity, adding to major trends such as the rise of AI and growing power demand from air conditioning, EVs, industry and more.

The proposal gains urgency from the current global energy crisis, exacerbated by geopolitical conflicts and supply chain disruptions. These factors have intensified pressure on nations to accelerate their transition to clean electricity across various sectors, including buildings, transportation, and industry. The International Energy Agency (IEA) and the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) support the target with their analysis.

Fatih Birol, executive director of the IEA, noted that the global energy crisis is speeding up the world's move into an "Age of Electricity." This shift is further fueled by trends like the rise of artificial intelligence and increasing power demands from air conditioning, electric vehicles, and industrial processes. "Electrification across sectors is arguably the single most important strategy to boost energy security," stated Vaibhav Chaturvedi, a senior fellow at CEEW, highlighting its relevance for both long-term decarbonization and immediate crisis management.

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IPCC assessments have consistently highlighted the electrification of economy as a key lever to move towards a low carbon future. The crisis in west Asia has brought this strategy back into focus. Electrification across sectors is arguably the single most important strategy to boost energy security. The call by COP31 president is thus relevant not just critical from the long-term decarbonisation perspective but from a near term crisis management point of view as well.

COP31 president-designate Murat Kurum also announced related goals: halving the growth in global waste by 2035 and reducing energy consumption intensity in the building sector by at least 25% by the same year. The IEA has been commissioned to prepare special reports outlining pathways to achieve these targets. UN Climate Chief Simon Stiell emphasized that electrification is already driving clean energy growth and job creation, calling it crucial for reducing reliance on fossil fuels, lowering energy costs, and enhancing energy security.

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Electrification has already sparked a global surge in clean energy, driving growth and jobs. Rewiring the global economy is crucial to kick the world’s addiction to coal, oil and gas, to bring energy costs down, and to restore energy security.