Global Alliance targets 35% electrification by 2035
A global alliance of governments, businesses, think tanks and civil society organizations has launched the ...
Global Alliance targets 35% electrification by 2035
A global alliance of governments, businesses, think tanks and civil society organizations has launched the “Electrify Now” campaign, setting a goal of increasing electricity’s share of global final energy consumption from around 21% today to 35% by 2035.
Launched at the Global Energy Transition and Electrification Summit during London Climate Week, the multi-year initiative is backed by governments including the European Commission, the United Kingdom, Australia, Turkey and Ethiopia, and supported by more than 40 organizations and alliances worldwide.
The campaign aims to accelerate renewable-powered electrification by expanding electricity systems and replacing fossil fuels in transport, heating, cooling, cooking and industrial processes. Organizers say electrification can help strengthen energy security, lower energy costs and reduce emissions.
Putting electrification at center of energy policy:
The movement is calling on governments to place electrification at the heart of national energy strategies and work together to achieve the 35% target by 2035, a goal supported by scientific analysis from the International Energy Agency (IEA) and the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), and recently proposed by the incoming COP31 Presidency.
Bruce Douglas, Chief Executive Officer of the Global Renewables Alliance, said: “We are facing our second major energy crisis in just four years. There has never been a more urgent moment to shift to renewable electrification. Today’s oil and gas crisis could cost households, businesses, and governments as much as $1 trillion.”
“As governments shift from crisis response to long-term planning, renewable electrification must become central to their energy strategies. The Electrify Now campaign aims to make electrification a top priority for decision-makers worldwide as they build more secure, affordable, and sustainable energy systems for the future,” he said.
Businesses see electrification as next growth engine:
María Mendiluce, CEO of the We Mean Business Coalition, said electrification is emerging as a defining feature of the global economic transition.
“We are witnessing the beginning of a profound economic transformation. The next era of growth will be built on electricity. Businesses are already investing because they see electrification as the foundation of more competitive and resilient operations. This is about far more than replacing one technology with another. It is about rewiring economies for the industries of the future. The countries that recognise this shift and create the conditions for businesses to invest will shape the jobs, industries and prosperity of the decades ahead,” said Mendiluce.
Focus on infrastructure, investment:
The campaign is urging governments to translate global ambition into national and sub-national action plans, accelerate deployment of electrification technologies and support rising electricity demand through continued investment in renewable energy, modernized power grids and energy storage.
It also calls for stronger international cooperation and increased financing by leveraging public funding to attract private investment while integrating electrification into broader climate, energy and development programs.
Efficiency gains strengthen case:
Luke Menzel, CEO of the Energy Efficiency Council of Australia, said electrification offers significant efficiency benefits.
“Electrification is on average three times more energy efficient than combustion based energy, and electrifying our transport, heating, cooling, cooking, and industrial processes is the most affordable, efficient and secure way to power our lives and the world,” said Mr. Menzel.
Dave Jones, co-founder of think tank Ember, said the challenge is now scaling deployment rather than developing new technologies.
“Up to three-quarters of global energy demand can already be electrified with technologies available today. Innovation has been rampant, and the prices and quality of these products are unrecognisable compared to during the last global energy crisis in 2022. The economics of making the switch have never been so compelling,” said Mr. Jones.
Industry calls for faster action:
Ben Backwell, CEO of the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) and Chair of the Global Renewables Alliance, said the campaign could help accelerate policy and investment decisions across the public and private sectors.
“Electrification should be the number one priority for every decision-maker today. Whether you are a car owner or a small business owner, a CEO or a Government Leader, the economic benefits of running on clean electric power are undeniable,” he said.
“Electrifying Now means saying ‘yes!’ to limitless, low-cost, secure and resilient wind and renewable energy. It is about turning our backs on the fossil fuel economy and no longer being subject to repeated and prolonged energy crises caused by extreme volatility in international oil and gas markets.”
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