The UAE Consensus to triple renewable energy capacity, double energy efficiency and transition away from fossil fuels is critical to delivering a 1.5°C-aligned energy transition, as well as jobs, security and growth.
However, the global energy transition narrative has suffered from a critical blind spot: a lack of focus on the substantial and complementary role of demand-side electrification to deliver on existing energy transition goals and extend their benefits to the wider economy.
The latest global energy crisis has laid bare the urgency of accelerating electrification in transport, buildings and industries not just to lower emissions, but to insulate economies and communities from costly international supply shocks. Renewable electricity is now the most cost-competitive source of power, with 91% of new renewable capacity delivering cheaper electricity than fossil alternatives, reinforcing the economic case for electrification (IRENA, 2025).
But the world is not moving fast enough. Delivering a 1.5°C-aligned energy transition will require the global annual electrification rate to more than quadruple from around 21% today to 35% of final end-use consumption by 2035. This event will explore the need for greater ambition and accelerated action on electrification, and make the case for a whole of system agenda that includes the critical role of the demandside transition, in complement to clean supply, modernised grids, storage and flexibility.