Spain prioritizes renewable-led electrification for COP31

Spain has outlined its strategic priorities for the upcoming COP31 summit, scheduled to take place in Antalya, Turkey, from November 9 to 20. A central focus for the Spanish delegation is the push for global electrification, specifically addressing a proposal led by Turkey and supported by Australia to increase the share of electricity in global final energy consumption from 20% to 35% by 2035.

The Spanish government, through the Ministry for the Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge (Miteco), emphasizes that for electrification to be effective, it must be powered by renewable energy sources. Spain views electrification as a means to facilitate the phase-out of fossil fuels—including coal, oil, and gas—rather than an end in itself.

In addition to energy transition, Spain intends to advocate for multilateralism, the defense of science, and a just transition. Given the summit's Mediterranean location, Spain also plans to share its expertise in climate adaptation and building resilience against the effects of global warming.