Guterres and Miliband unite to drive electrification

With geopolitical tensions once again exposing the economic and security risks of fossil fuel dependence, governments and business leaders gathered at the Global Energy Transition and Electrification Summit during London Climate Action Week.

Headlined by the UN Secretary General, António Guterres, the Summit saw UK Energy Secretary Ed Miliband joined by the President of Palau Surangel S. Jr. Whipps and government representatives from Türkiye, Australia, Ethiopia, Colombia, Brazil, the Netherlands and the European Union.

Together they advanced practical solutions and political support for an accelerated energy transition, including through a new Electrify Now initiative, and through next steps for international cooperation on the global switch away from fossil fuels. 

Governments were supported by business leaders who signed a business statement backing faster electrification.

A recent survey found that 91% of global business leaders see electrification as key to strengthening energy security and resilience, and that 82% want their country powered mainly by renewable electricity to help shift away from fossil fuels. 

Move to accelerate clean energy agenda 

By bringing together governments, business and other allies, Electrify Now seeks to overcome the hurdles on implementation and investment that will enable modern energy systems running on clean electricity. 

While electricity currently accounts for around one-fifth of final energy demand, government and industry leaders argued that accelerating electrification across transport, buildings and industry is one of the most effective ways to reduce exposure to volatile global fossil fuel markets while strengthening competitiveness, energy access and long-term resilience.

During the recent Bonn climate talks Turkiye's COP31 Presidency proposed, as part of its Action Agenda, pursuing a global target of 35% of final energy demand to be met by electricity by 2035 - a target that aligns with IRENA and IEA analysis.

The Action Agenda activation groups are already mobilised to help advance this priority of the COP31 Presidency through the Plans to Accelerate Solutions.

Cross-border partnerships

In a sign of continued momentum on the global shift away from coal, oil and gas dependence, the Summit also marked a landmark moment for international cooperation to transition away from fossil fuels, with Colombia and the Netherlands formally handing over the outcomes of the Santa Marta Conference on Transitioning Away from Fossil Fuels (TAFF) to the Brazilian COP30 Presidency as input to their global roadmap initiative.

The event was co-hosted at Mansion House by the UK government, E3G, the Global Renewables Alliance and We Mean Business Coalition. 

Guterres said: “This summit takes on urgent tasks, at an urgent moment: Advancing the energy transition - at speed and scale, and with justice; and building a new global economy for all, powered by clean, affordable electricity.

“The age of clean electrification is here. The question is whether we can build the grids and storage, mobilise the investment, and deliver the infrastructure at the speed and scale required.

“Let us seize this moment - for energy security, economic stability, and a liveable future for all.”

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Electrification holds the key

Milliband highlighted that more than £100 billion of private investment in clean energy has been invested in the UK in just under two years.

“Clean electrification gives us a clear alternative, an alternative that cannot be disrupted by foreign wars, that isn't subject to global shocks because it is locked in stable prices at home, and that can create good jobs and drive growth. An alternative that can deliver national security, energy security and indeed climate security."

COP32 President-Designate, Minister Gedion Timothewos, Ethiopia's Minister of Foreign Affairs said electrification is one of the clearest pathways to deliver energy access, security, affordability, development, and climate action together.

Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, said: “One thing is certain: dependence on volatile imported fossil fuels leaves our economies exposed and our citizens paying the price. Electrification marks a shift from reliance to resilience. Together, we can accelerate the clean energy transition and move towards a more secure, affordable and competitive future.”

Dan Jørgensen, European Commissioner for Energy and Housing highlighted clean electrification is one of the most powerful tools with which to build a sustainable future.

“We can cut emissions while strengthening our energy security and creating economic opportunities. By powering our homes, industries, and transport systems with clean electricity, we can make our economies and societies more resilient and avoid future shocks driven by volatile fossil fuels. 

"By bringing together governments, business and other allies, our Electrify Now initiative can be a real driver of progress and change, bringing us closer to a future where our energy security and prices are no longer at the mercy of unstable geopolitics."