COP31 electrification target sparks fossil fuel dispute in Türkiye

Tensions are rising at the COP31 climate talks in Antalya, Türkiye, over a host-backed plan to raise electricity's share of global energy consumption to 35 per cent by 2035, with disputes centering on whether the increase must come from clean sources. The proposed "35 by 35" pledge does not mandate clean or renewable energy, allowing for varied "electrification pathways" based on national starting points. Australia's Climate Minister Chris Bowen called the target ambitious, noting current electrification is at 23 per cent, while sceptics warn that fossil-fuel-based electricity would lock in prolonged use of those fuels. Separately, an Australian-supported voluntary pledge to double rooftop solar households to 300 million by 2030 gained backing from Bangladesh, Kenya, Nigeria, Palau, and Vanuatu. Outgoing UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged Türkiye and Australia to advance a fossil fuel transition roadmap, as analysts estimate clean electrification could cut projected warming by 0.3C.