COP31 Presidency launches new report on electrification opportunities for emerging markets and developing economies
In support of the global electrification target of 35% by 2035, the report highlights opportunities to electrify industry, transport and buildings unlocking economic growth, energy security and climate benefits
Antalya, Türkiye, 10 November 2026 – A new report launched today by the Türkiye and Australia COP31 Presidencies calls for accelerated electrification across emerging markets and developing economies (EMDEs), highlighting its potential to drive economic growth, strengthen energy security, expand energy access and accelerate climate action.
Titled The Electrification Opportunity, the report by Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) in collaboration with the Australian Government Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW), is a seminal contribution to the COP31 Action Agenda on electrification, and examines how countries can harness electrification as a broader development opportunity, beyond its contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
The report comes as the COP31 Presidency advances its 35-by-35 Global Electrification Pledge, which aims to increase electricity's share of global final energy consumption to 35 per cent by 2035. Despite growing electricity demand, electricity currently accounts for only around 23% of global final energy consumption, up from 17.8% in 2010.
‘Electrification is an opportunity for every country. For emerging markets and developing economies, it means new jobs, stronger energy security and lower energy costs. These economies accounted for about 80% of the growth in global electricity demand in 2025, so investment and finance must reach them. This report from Sustainable Energy for All details their unique challenges, but also shows what is possible. The COP31 ‘35-by-35’ global electrification objective gives the world a common direction and I invite governments, businesses and investors to work with us to make electrification work for all,’ said H.E. Murat Kurum, COP31 President
‘Electrification is where climate action, economic opportunity and energy security come together. This report shows the technologies are already available, the benefits are clear, and countries across every region are ready to accelerate. Electrification is one of the fastest and most practical ways to turn climate ambition into real-world results for households, businesses and economies,’ said The Hon. Chris Bowen, Australia's Minister for Climate Change and Energy and COP31 President of Negotiations
The report identifies three interconnected pathways for accelerating electrification in EMDEs: expanding first-time electricity access, switching existing energy consumption from fossil fuels and traditional fuels to electricity, and creating new electricity demand through industrialisation and economic growth.
It highlights seven enabling conditions for success, including integrated national planning, increased investment and financing, accelerated end-use electrification, expanded renewable electricity supply, modernised grids and storage, supportive policy frameworks, and investment in workforce and industrial capabilities.
‘Electrification presents an opportunity to industrialise, create jobs, improve livelihoods and strengthen energy independence. To supplement the knowledge base underpinning the 35-by-35 target, the COP31 Presidency has worked with Sustainable Energy for All to launch this new report, The Electrification Opportunity, that sets out the opportunities of electrification for emerging markets and developing economies,’ said Damilola Ogunbiyi, CEO and UN Special Representative for Sustainable Energy for All
The report highlights that achieving the 35-by-35 ambition will require governments and development partners to make electrification a deliberate, economy-wide priority, aligning energy investments with national industrialisation, transport, agriculture and development strategies.
As the international community looks towards COP32 in Addis Ababa, the report provides a practical framework for translating global electrification commitments into national action and investments.
Notes to Editor:
About The Electrification Opportunity Report
The Electrification Opportunity examines the strategic case for accelerating electrification in emerging markets and developing economies, looking beyond decarbonisation to its potential contributions to economic growth, energy security, energy access and resilience. It sets out seven enabling conditions to help countries translate electrification ambitions into practical policies, investments and implementation strategies.
About Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL)
Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) is an international organisation hosted by UNOPS that partners with governments and stakeholders to accelerate sustainable energy transitions that improve lives, create jobs, strengthen economies and combat climate change. For more information, visit www.seforall.org.
Media Contacts
SEforALL: Sherry Kennedy sherry.kennedy@seforall.org and media@seforall.org
