Turkey proposed that nearly 200 countries at COP31 commit to increasing the share of electricity in global energy consumption to 35% by 2035. This is up from about 20% today. The proposal does not require a reduction in fossil fuel use. It aims to measure progress by the percentage of final energy demand supplied by electricity. This approach has drawn scrutiny as negotiators gather in Antalya to discuss the pace of moving away from fossil fuels.
Key Details
The Turkish plan allows coal- and gas-fired power to count toward the target. This raises concerns about whether the initiative will effectively reduce fossil fuel use. Turkey's proposal seeks to be included in the conference's final agreement. However, support from other nations remains uncertain. Portugal has called for the target to be clearly linked to clean electricity generation. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged governments to set clear timelines for reducing fossil fuel reliance.
The European Union is expected to support Turkey's electrification pledge, according to three diplomats who spoke to Politico. The 27 EU member states reached a consensus to back the voluntary goal after initial divisions over its implications. The EU's support may strengthen Turkey's initiative during the negotiations.
Background
In a related development, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced the discovery of two oilfields in the Gabar region. These fields are estimated to contain 135 million barrels of oil. Turkey expects production from these fields to exceed 100,000 barrels per day by the second half of 2027. This is compared to the current output of about 84,000 barrels per day.
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The proposed electrification target could impact energy markets. It may influence future investment in renewable energy sources and fossil fuels. A commitment to increasing electrification without reducing fossil fuel use may lead to continued reliance on coal and gas in energy production. Watch for further developments on the electrification pledge as COP31 progresses. Additional commitments from participating countries may also emerge.
Based on reporting by: oilprice.com, politico.eu