On COP31 Electrify Now Coalition: Electrification must ensure affordable, renewables-based energy for all

Global energy experts, climate and consumer advocates launch new policy tools for a fair, affordable and renewable-powered energy system.

ANTALYA, TÜRKİYE: As COP31 launches the new Electrify Now Finance Coalition (backed by the COP31 Presidency and COP32 host Ethiopia), which aims to mobilize over $1.2 billion for clean electrification projects, energy experts, climate and consumer advocates called for renewables-based, affordable electrification that puts people, not profits, first.

Electrification is essential to moving away from fossil fuels, but it will only deliver a genuinely just transition if it is accompanied by the rapid expansion of renewable energy, climate finance, investment in strong and modern electricity grids, energy efficiency and access, and meaningful participation by consumers and communities.

In a side event hosted by 350.org, Renewables, Modern Grids, and Just and Affordable Electrification: What, Where and for Whom?, representatives from across the energy sector, climate movement and consumer rights organisations examined how governments can ensure that the benefits of electrification are shared fairly, energy remains affordable and the transition is underpinned by sustainable resource use.

Gina Cortés Valderrama,, 350.org policy strategist:

“Electricity is not a luxury, it’s a basic need. But in reality, it’s becoming unaffordable for millions as people trade off electricity against food, transport and healthcare. We need to ask the hard questions. Is electrification for those who can buy the next Tesla? Or for those whose hospitals don’t have cooling facilities to keep patients alive? The ‘35 by 35’ target should not be judged by how much electricity the world consumes, but by what that electricity is for, who is paying for it and who benefits. Electrification must leave no one behind. There must be a credible package of finance and technical support to the Global South, where millions use less than the modern energy minimum.”

The event also launched a new Grid Policy Toolkit designed to support the development of strong, modern electricity grids, alongside reports examining the role of renewable energy in delivering a fair and sustainable energy transition.

Dimitri Pescia, Director of Power System Transformation, Agora Energiewende:

“Modernising electricity grids is critical to integrating growing shares of renewable energy, improving reliability and making clean electricity accessible to more people. But investment in infrastructure must go hand in hand with consumer protections, fair pricing, public participation and policies that prevent the costs of the transition from falling disproportionately on households and vulnerable communities.”

Amb. Seleshi Bekele Awulachew, former Minister of Water, Irrigation and Energy, Ethiopia said:

“In Africa, millions still live without electricity, and economies need to industrialise and create jobs. Electrification must give energy access while transforming the system at the same time. Ethiopia’s grid runs almost 100% on renewables, and almost all African countries could do the same.”

Fanny Petitbon, Policy Analyst at 350.org, said:

“Electrification must be at the heart of a fair and just energy transition away from fossil fuels. But it cannot simply mean replacing one energy system with another while leaving the same inequalities and power structures intact. Electrification must be powered by renewable energy, be accessible and affordable for everyone, and put the needs of people and communities first. Anything less risks locking us into the very same systems of extraction, inequality and fossil-fuel dependence that have brought us to the climate crisis.

“The real test of Electrify Now will be whether it delivers renewable, affordable energy for all, particularly in countries and communities that have been systematically denied the finance and resources to build their futures. That means prioritizing public investment, community ownership and energy access, rather than allowing private profit to dictate the pace and direction of the transition.”

ENDS

MEDIA CONTACT:
Kim Bryan | Email: Kim Bryan | Phone: +44 7770 881503

Notes to editors

The event brought together expertise from REN21, Agora, Regulatory Assistance Project (RAP), 350.org, Consumers International, PowerShift Africa, Southern Transitions, Alliander, ANEEL, KPX, PG&E and CLASP.