COP31 electrification target announced

COP31 President-Designate Murat Kurum has launched a new global electrification target as a flagship initiative of the COP31 Presidency’s Action Agenda.

Kurum is calling for a major acceleration in the shift from direct fossil fuel use to clean electricity across buildings, transport and industry. This comes as part of a wider package of non-negotiated Action Agenda initiatives and targets also announced by Kurum.

Speaking to delegates at the Bonn Climate Change Conference, Kurum — Türkiye’s Minister of Environment, Urbanisation and Climate Change — proposed a collective global goal to increase the share of final energy demand met by electricity from just over 20% today to 35% by 2035. The COP31 Presidency also committed to building a global coalition to implement actions towards achieving this target.

The target is based on analysis from the International Energy Agency (IEA) and the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and is designed to support implementation of the Paris Agreement and help keep the world on a pathway consistent with limiting warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.

During a presentation on the Presidency’s Action Agenda, Kurum also announced other targets, including a goal of halving the growth in global waste by 2035.

This ambition is part of COP31’s thematic focus on achieving zero waste. Food waste in particular accounts for 10% of global emissions, primarily through methane, which is 80 times more potent than carbon dioxide as a greenhouse gas.

The COP31 Presidency also introduced a new global target under its Resilient Cities priority, to reduce energy consumption intensity in the building sector by at least 25% by 2035.

In addition, Kurum also shared details on new initiatives and targets being developed by the Presidency. These include critical topics such as food security, circular materials in manufacturing and climate education.

He also shared further details on the Climate Implementation Bridge, which will support countries by improving the link between national climate, economic and development priorities, helping finance reach the ground more rapidly and with greater impact.

In support of the electrification target, the COP31 Presidency, in partnership with Australia, has commissioned the IEA to deliver special reports to map out pathways to achieving the “35% by 2035” target and to analyse the benefits of halving waste growth and boosting circular waste management systems. This follows the COP31 Presidency’s existing work with IRENA to identify how electrification can accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels.

Launching the initiatives, Kurum said, “The Action Agenda is the driving force behind implementation. As the COP31 Presidency, we have been listening to everyone. This has helped us build an ambitious and holistic Action Agenda.

“By electrifying daily life, from transport to buildings and industry, we can protect families and businesses from volatile energy markets. This “35% by 2035” target will be one of the defining priorities of our COP31 Presidency. On the road to COP31 in Antalya, we will work to bring together a strong global coalition that is ready and determined to act in support of this objective.

“We recognise that this is a global goal, that countries have different starting points, and that countries will pursue different pathways. We will also work closely with all countries, especially with developing economies, to help facilitate access to technical assistance, capacity-building, and financial support in line with this goal.”

The Hon Chris Bowen MP, Australia’s Minister for Climate Change and Energy and President of Negotiations for COP31, said, “Accelerating the energy transition will ease shocks to our energy systems, better protect our economies and households from high costs, and help keep bending the curve of emissions downwards. That’s why electrifying the global economy is one of our practical priorities for COP31 — because it’s the fastest way to strengthen energy security, cut emissions and bring down costs.”

Greenpeace has welcomed the COP31 Presidency’s electrification initiative as a positive step forward, but said it must be coupled with a rapid phase-out of fossil fuels as part of a just transition to renewable energy to keep the 1.5°C limit within reach.

Speaking from Bonn, Germany, Dr Simon Bradshaw, COP31 Lead at Greenpeace Australia Pacific, said: “Minister Bowen and his Turkish counterpart Minister Kurum must maintain the global momentum towards a phase-out of fossil fuels and ensure that a just transition is at the heart of the COP31 agenda.

“As Minister Bowen said, we are in the middle of a global fossil fuel crisis. Ending the fossil fuel chokehold is the only path towards greater peace and security and the only way to keep 1.5°C within reach. This means no new fossil fuel approvals and a managed phase-out of fossil fuel production.

“Renewable electrification is also the path to universal energy access, better health and reducing inequality, but only if the solutions are accessible to all. This new electrification push should have equity at its heart and maximise the opportunities to leave all communities stronger.

“As COP31 President of Negotiations, it’s time for Australia to also lead by example.”

Image caption: UN June Climate Meetings in Bonn, Germany. Credit: Lucia Vasquez Tumi | UN Climate Change. Image: Supplied