COP31 Co-Hosts Push for 35% Global Electrification by 2035 to Accelerate Clean Energy Transition

The joint COP31 presidency of Turkey and Australia has unveiled an ambitious proposal to dramatically increase the role of electricity in the global energy system, calling for electricity to account for 35% of final energy consumption by 2035, up from just over 20% today.

The initiative, dubbed the “35×35” target, was announced at the Bonn Climate Conference (SB64) and is backed by analysis from the International Energy Agency (IEA) and the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). The proposal is intended to support the goals of the Paris Agreement and help keep global warming within 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.

COP31 is scheduled to take place in Antalya, Turkey, later this year.

The announcement comes at a time when soaring fuel prices, driven by conflict in West Asia and supply chain disruptions, have intensified calls for countries to accelerate the transition toward clean electricity across sectors such as transportation, buildings and industry.

“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,” said Fatih Birol, Executive Director of the IEA.

Climate and energy experts argue that electrification has become even more critical amid ongoing geopolitical instability.

“IPCC assessments have consistently highlighted the electrification of the economy as a key lever to move towards a low-carbon future. The crisis in West Asia has brought this strategy back into focus,” said Vaibhav Chaturvedi, Senior Fellow at the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW).

“Electrification across sectors is arguably the single most important strategy to boost energy security. The call by the COP31 presidency is therefore relevant not only from a long-term decarbonisation perspective but also from a near-term crisis management point of view,” he added.

Beyond electrification, COP31 President-designate Murat Kurum announced two additional goals: halving the growth of global waste by 2035 and reducing energy intensity in the building sector by at least 25% by the same year. The co-presidency has commissioned the IEA to prepare dedicated reports outlining pathways to achieve both objectives.

UN Climate Change Executive Secretary Simon Stiell welcomed the initiative, describing electrification as a key driver of economic growth, energy security and emissions reductions.

“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, bring energy costs down, and restore energy security,” Stiell said.

Meanwhile, India is participating in the Bonn climate talks through a virtual delegation from the Union Environment Ministry, although officials from some other government departments are attending in person, according to people familiar with the matter.

China, speaking on behalf of the Like-Minded Developing Countries (LMDC) group—which includes India—said climate finance and the removal of protectionist trade measures imposed by developed nations would remain key priorities at both the Bonn talks and COP31.

The bloc highlighted concerns that the latest replenishment of the Global Environment Facility was the lowest in 16 years and stressed that developing countries require adequate financial and technological support to implement climate commitments.

“Our main task here is to maintain the momentum of unity, solidarity and cooperation in addressing climate change,” the LMDC said, while reiterating the need for stronger implementation mechanisms to accompany mitigation pledges.

The Bonn Climate Conference opened this week against the backdrop of a global fuel crisis and forecasts of an approaching El Niño event, which could trigger extreme weather across several parts of Asia, adding urgency to negotiations ahead of COP31.