To stay on track with a 1.5 degrees C pathway, electricity will need to make up 35% of global final energy consumption by 2035 and exceed 50% by 2050, up from 23% today, the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) said recently.
This is according to IRENA's revised 1.5 degrees C Scenario in the forthcoming World Energy Transition Outlook.
The organization said its analysis points to the need for the adoption of a 2035 electrification target.
“To keep the 1.5 degrees C goal within reach, the world needs a clear global direction of travel. IRENA data supports the establishment of a global electrification target for 2035, complemented by targets for grids and system flexibility,” said IRENA Director-General Francesco La Camera as IRENA released its new report, called “Transitioning away from fossil fuels: A roadmap based on renewables, electrification and grid enhancement.”
According to the study, while the global goals of tripling renewable power capacity and doubling energy efficiency improvements by 2030 remain key, they are not alone enough to achieve the global energy transition.
