Australian Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen has backed a new global electrification target of 35% by 2035 at the COP31 Action Agenda launch in Bonn, Germany.
As head of negotiations for COP31, which will be held in November in Türkiye, Bowen will hold talks with countries such as Canada, the United Kingdom and Korea to drive further cooperation on electrification, clean energy investment, modernising grids, fuel security, and improving energy storage.
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Bowen said Australia’s leadership role in climate negotiations and ongoing participation in international conversations about energy security were more important than ever.
“We are living through the biggest energy shock in history and the world agrees that clean energy and electrification is the future for a more sovereign and secure energy system,” Minister Bowen said.
“Australia is leading—one in three households have rooftop solar and more than 420,000 batteries have been installed in homes, taking advantage of our clean and cheap power sources that can’t be interrupted by conflicts overseas. We want to bring this experience to the world stage.
“Pacific nations are on the frontline of climate change, and their leadership is critical. In Bonn, I’ll also work with Pacific partners to keep their priorities front and centre to advance global action and help secure our region.
“Collective action has already bent the curve—from 4°C to 2.8°C. Australia will work with global partners to build on this momentum.”
The UN’s mid-year climate meeting in Bonn paves the way for COP31 by advancing negotiations on clean energy, electrification and issues such as access to finance, which are of critical importance to many nations, including those in the Pacific.
By Greenpeace Australia Pacific COP31 lead Dr Simon Bradshaw said growing renewables and expanding electrification would not be enough without a proactive wind-down of fossil fuel production.
“Minister Bowen and his Turkish counterpart Minister Kurum must maintain the global momentum towards a phase out of fossil fuels and ensure that a just transition is at the heart of the COP31 agenda,” Dr Bradshaw said.
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“As Minister Bowen said, we are in the middle of a global fossil fuel crisis. Ending the fossil fuel chokehold is the only path towards greater peace and security and the only way to keep 1.5°C within reach. This means no new fossil fuel approvals and a managed phase out of fossil fuel production.
“As COP31 President of Negotiations, it’s time for Australia to also lead by example. This means an immediate halt to new fossil fuel projects—including Woodside’s reckless Browse gas project—and developing a national roadmap away from fossil fuel production.”
