Germany said the Bonn climate talks are progressing and expects electrification to be a central theme at COP31 in Antalya. Turkey proposed raising electricity's share of global final energy demand from just over 20% to 35% by 2035, alongside targets on waste and circularity. German minister Jochen Flasbarth and environmental groups welcomed the proposal, while WWF urged that new electricity must be low-carbon and that developing countries receive finance and technology support.
Germany Backs Global Push to Raise Electrification to 35% by 2035 at Bonn Climate Talks
FILE PHOTO - Flags of the United Nations Climate Change Conference fly in front of the Climate Secretariat in Bonn. (is associated with: «Germany praises new electrification target at Bonn climate meetings») Oliver Berg/dpa
Germany says progress is being made at the Bonn climate meetings and is welcoming a growing international focus on electrification ahead of the UN's COP31 summit in Antalya later this year.
Jochen Flasbarth, a junior minister at the German Environment Ministry, told dpa on Friday that the Turkish presidency of the November summit is showing determination to push forward implementation of the Paris Agreement. Speaking in Bonn, Flasbarth described electrification of transport, buildings and industry as "the backbone of a successful energy transition" and said he welcomed the emphasis expected at COP31.
The annual 10-day June Climate Meetings in Bonn, due to conclude on June 18, are hosting roughly 6,500 delegates from governments, the scientific community, business and civil society representing nearly all UN member states.
At the conference Turkey unveiled a proposal to raise the global share of final energy demand met by electricity from just over 20% today to 35% by 2035. Other announced objectives include halving growth in global waste by 2035 and raising the global circular material use rate to at least 15%.
"The electrification proposal sends a strong signal for investment in grids, renewable energy and modern infrastructure," Flasbarth said. "It provides global guidance and predictability for businesses, investors and governments, and can further accelerate the energy transition."
Environmental organizations broadly welcomed the target. Fernanda de Carvalho, WWF's global head of climate and policy, said the organisation supports the electrification goal but cautioned that more electricity must not simply replicate today's fossil-fuel dependence.
Key concerns: WWF stressed that expanded electrification needs to be powered by low-carbon sources rather than coal, oil or gas. The group also warned that developing countries will require finance and technology support to make the transition fair and effective.
Delegates in Bonn will continue negotiations that could shape the agenda at COP31 in Antalya, where electrification, waste reduction and circularity targets are likely to feature prominently.
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