By Bunmi Yekini
On Monday, the incoming presidency of COP31 launched an ambitious global push to accelerate the transition from fossil fuels to clean electricity, proposing a new target that would see electricity meet 35% of global final energy demand by 2035, up from just over 20%.
The proposal was unveiled at the Bonn Climate Change Conference by Murat Kurum, Türkiye’s Minister of Environment, Urbanisation and Climate Change and President-Designate of COP31. The initiative forms the centrepiece of the COP31 Action Agenda and aims to drive electrification across buildings, transportation and industry.
Kurum described the Action Agenda as a practical roadmap focused on implementation rather than promises.
“By electrifying daily life, from transport to buildings and industry, we can protect families and businesses from volatile energy markets,” he said. “This 35% by 2035 target will be one of the defining priorities of our COP31 Presidency.”
The proposed goal, known informally as the “35×35” target, is backed by analysis from the International Energy Agency and the International Renewable Energy Agency. It is intended to support implementation of the Paris Agreement and help keep global warming within 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.
Beyond Electrification
Alongside the electrification target, the COP31 Presidency announced several other key climate objectives.
One major goal is to halve the growth of global waste by 2035, reflecting COP31’s focus on achieving zero waste. According to the presidency, food waste alone accounts for around 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions, largely through methane emissions, a gas significantly more potent than carbon dioxide.
Another target seeks to improve energy efficiency in cities by reducing energy consumption intensity in the building sector by at least 25% by 2035, helping households and businesses manage rising energy costs.
The presidency is also developing initiatives focused on food security, circular manufacturing systems and climate education.
Global Coalition Planned
To support implementation, the COP31 Presidency will work with governments, businesses, financial institutions, cities and civil society groups to build a broad coalition around the electrification agenda.
Australia, which is partnering with Türkiye in preparations for COP31, has commissioned the IEA to produce special reports outlining pathways to achieve the electrification target and assessing the benefits of reducing waste growth and strengthening circular economy systems.
Chris Bowen, Australia’s Minister for Climate Change and Energy and COP31 President of Negotiations, said electrification offers one of the fastest routes to lower emissions and stronger energy security.
“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,” Bowen said.
International Support
The proposal received strong backing from leading international climate and energy organisations.
Simon Stiell, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, praised the focus on electrification, waste reduction and resilient cities, describing them as essential responses to a climate crisis already affecting economies and supply chains worldwide.
Meanwhile, Fatih Birol noted that the world is entering an “Age of Electricity,” driven by growing demand from artificial intelligence, electric vehicles, air conditioning and industry.
Francesco La Camera said electrification powered by renewable energy remains one of the most immediate and cost-effective solutions available, helping countries reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels while improving economic competitiveness.
Looking Ahead to Antalya
The announcement comes ahead of COP31, scheduled to take place in Antalya in November 2026.
The presidency says the new target builds on commitments made at COP28 to triple renewable energy capacity and transition away from fossil fuels, as well as agreements reached at COP29 to expand energy storage, modernise electricity grids and increase climate finance for developing countries.
With negotiations continuing in Bonn through June 18, the COP31 Presidency hopes the electrification initiative will become a defining pillar of global climate action and create momentum that extends beyond Antalya to future summits, including COP32 in Ethiopia.