COP31 risks increasing emissions without renewables
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on ANG
The rise in global electrification could increase emissions if additional demand is met by coal, oil and gas. The warning comes as Turkey advocates a 35% share of electricity in final energy consumption by 2035, according to Beyond Fossil Fuels and experts cited by ANG.
The electrification of economies, a goal of COP31 on climate organised in Turkey, could increase greenhouse gas emissions if additional electricity demand is met by coal, oil or gas, warns the NGO Beyond Fossil Fuels. The Turkish presidency of the conference proposes raising the share of electricity in global final energy consumption to 35% by 2035.
Rosana Santos, executive director of the E+ Energy Transition Institute, stresses that electrification improves the efficiency of energy use but could lead to the construction of new gas- or coal-fired power plants if renewable capacity does not increase. David Tsai, project manager at the Institute of Energy and Environment (IEMA), also believes that electrification and decarbonisation do not necessarily go hand in hand: replacing biofuel-powered vehicles with electric vehicles powered by coal-generated electricity can increase emissions.
Turkey derives more than 34% of its electricity generation from coal and plans to increase this capacity. Australia, the co-chair of COP31 responsible for diplomatic negotiations, produces only 39% of its electricity from solar, wind or nuclear sources, according to ANG.
The issue arises as COP31 has set a 35% target for electricity in global final energy consumption in 2035. It is also part of the conference’s discussions on financing and implementing climate commitments.
