COP31 Launches Global Electrification Pledge
The Turkish COP31 Presidency sets new targets for electricity usage as nearly 200 nations gather in Antalya.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Electric Vehicles
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The 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference in Antalya, Türkiye, is focusing on ambitious global energy goals. Leadership has introduced the 35-by-35 Global Electrification Pledge, aiming to increase electricity’s share of global final energy consumption to 35% by 2035.
Why it matters
Achieving the 1.5°C global warming limit depends on accelerating renewables-based electrification across all end-use sectors. The initiative seeks to bridge climate finance gaps to help nations meet these critical sustainability benchmarks.
The conference establishes a 11.2 TW target for total installed renewable power capacity by 2030. This initiative follows a record year for global renewable energy installations in 2025.
The players
IRENA
The International Renewable Energy Agency is an intergovernmental organization that supports countries in their transition to a sustainable energy future.
United Nations
The United Nations is an international organization founded in 1945 that facilitates cooperation on international law, security, and climate change.
The details
The COP31 Presidency is emphasizing inclusive dialogue and energy security to ensure global participation. IRENA continues to serve as the designated custodian agency responsible for tracking progress toward the tripling of renewable power capacity.
Timeline
Early 2024: IRENA was designated as the custodian agency for capacity tracking.
2025: Global renewable power capacity installations reached a record high.
September 2026: The 35-by-35 Global Electrification Pledge was launched during Climate Week NYC 2026.
2030: Target year for achieving 11.2 TW of installed renewable power capacity.
2035: Target year for reaching a 35% electricity share of global final energy consumption.
Roadmap
This effort builds upon the foundation laid by the UAE Consensus to modernize global energy grids. It signals a move away from legacy fuel dependence by standardizing electrification metrics across international markets.
These international targets likely influence domestic energy policies and the availability of incentives for adopting electric technologies. Consumers may see shifts in local energy grid investments and the long-term feasibility of fossil-fuel-free transportation options.
The takeaway
The move toward a 35% global electrification share by 2035 highlights a major shift in how international stakeholders prioritize sustainable infrastructure. Readers can expect increased focus on renewable-ready grid technologies as nations work toward these collective goals.
Further reading
Learn more about global infrastructure shifts in our Electric Vehicles section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Irena.
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