The United Nations has called on countries to speed up the transition from fossil fuels to electricity, as the COP31 climate summit seeks to increase electricity’s share of global energy consumption from 23 per cent to 35 per cent by 2035.
The United Nations Climate Change Executive Secretary, Simon Stiell, made the call on Tuesday during a press briefing at the ongoing climate conference in Antalya, Türkiye, warning that dependence on imported fossil fuels was exposing economies to rising energy costs, inflation and supply disruptions.
He said countries must expand the use of electricity generated from clean energy sources to reduce their exposure to fluctuations in international fuel markets and protect households and businesses from rising costs.
Stiell noted that renewable energy was becoming increasingly affordable, with about 90 per cent of large-scale renewable energy projects now costing less than fossil fuel alternatives, according to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).
He added that renewable energy had surpassed coal in global electricity generation, while existing technologies could support the electrification of up to 75 per cent of global energy demand.
However, he stressed that faster deployment of these technologies would require increased investment and support, particularly for developing countries.
Also speaking, COP31 President of Negotiations, Murat Kurum, said the global energy crisis had highlighted the economic risks of relying heavily on imported fuels.
He disclosed that fuel-importing countries incurred an additional $330bn in energy costs between March and August, reinforcing the need to expand domestic energy sources and reduce dependence on international fuel markets.
Kurum said the proposed 35-by-35 Global Electrification Pledge would promote wider electricity use across transportation, buildings and industrial operations.
He added that the summit was focused on delivering practical outcomes rather than making commitments without clear implementation plans.
Meanwhile, COP31 President of Negotiations, Chris Bowen, described the 2035 target as ambitious, noting that global electrification had increased from 17 per cent in 2005 to 19 per cent in 2015 and 23 per cent currently.
He said achieving the 35 per cent target would require more than a fourfold increase in the current pace of electrification.
Bowen warned that the transition was becoming more urgent as countries faced rising living costs, unstable energy markets and growing electricity demand, particularly from artificial intelligence technologies.
He maintained that international cooperation would be essential to achieving the target and addressing the wider climate crisis.
Stiell also revealed that 180 companies with combined revenues of nearly $1.7tn had urged governments and businesses to take advantage of the economic opportunities presented by electrification.
The COP31 summit is seeking to move beyond climate commitments by encouraging countries to implement policies that expand clean energy use, strengthen energy security and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
