Türkiye proposes global electrification goal for COP31

Türkiye, the host of the upcoming COP31 summit, has announced a major electrification plan aimed at increasing the global share of electricity in total energy demand from approximately 20% to 35% by 2035. Murat Kurum, the designated COP31 president and Minister of Environment, stated that a key priority for the negotiations will be pressuring technology companies to power their data centers with clean energy and addressing the carbon footprint of responsible artificial intelligence.

The initiative, referred to as the ‘35 for 35’ commitment, seeks to protect businesses and families from volatile energy markets caused by climate change and fossil fuel instability. However, experts from the World Resources Institute (WRI) have raised questions regarding the effectiveness of electrification alone. They note that electrification is a facilitator rather than an end goal, pointing out that electric vehicles powered by coal-dependent grids may not provide the intended environmental benefits.