BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 7. Electrification
should be one of the main directions of the global energy
transition in the next decade, Director General of the
International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), Francesco La Camera,
said at the event "Energy geopolitics is reshaping: every country
can become an energy power," within the framework of Baku Climate
Action Week 2026 (BCAW 2026), Trend's correspondent reports from the event.
According to him, recent geopolitical events have once again
shown how vulnerable economies are to fluctuations in fossil fuel
prices and supply disruptions.
"Energy security ultimately means reducing our dependence on
disruptions that may occur beyond our control. Therefore,
electrification offers a direct and practical solution. By
electrifying key sectors such as transport, buildings, and industry
with electricity from renewable energy sources, countries can
reduce their dependence on imported fuels, increase energy
efficiency, reduce and stabilize energy costs, and strengthen the
resilience of energy systems," La Camera noted.
He pointed out that IRENA believes the next decade should be the
decade of electrification.
"This should accelerate the transition to a cleaner, safer, and
more sustainable energy system," IRENA's Director-General
stressed.
La Camera also said that IRENA had prepared a report, "Departing
from fossil fuels: A roadmap based on renewable energy,
electrification and grid strengthening," at the request of the
Brazilian COP30 presidency.
According to him, the report is based on 3 main directions for
the transition from fossil fuels: increasing electricity generation
from renewable energy, electrifying end-use sectors, and
strengthening energy grids.
"The transition requires a comprehensive approach to energy
planning. Renewable energy, sustainable fuels, hydrogen, energy
efficiency, infrastructure, and supply chains must develop in
parallel. These must be supported by market mechanisms, regulatory
reforms, and appropriate policies that ensure a just and inclusive
transition," he said.
The IRENA chief noted that to stay on track to the 1.5 degree
Celsius target, the share of electrification in total final energy
consumption needs to reach 35% by 2035 and above 50% by 2050.
"This requires complementing the renewable energy and energy
efficiency goals set at COP28 with specific end-use electrification
targets, including the '35 by 35' target. This is not a new target,
but a practical indicator of the work that needs to be done to
return to the 1.5 degree trajectory," La Camera emphasized.
He noted that the benefits of electrification are not limited to
preventing climate change.
"Electrification can enhance energy security, reduce exposure to
fossil fuel price volatility, support green industrialization and
competitiveness, and contribute to job creation and economic
growth," the IRENA director-general noted.
According to La Camera, electrification cannot develop alone,
and renewable energy sources, power grids, energy storage systems,
flexibility capabilities, and sustainable fuels must be expanded
simultaneously.
“By 2035, an average annual investment of more than $1.2
trillion will be required in electricity grids. This is more than
double the current annual investment level,” he said.
La Camera added that the share of electrification in buildings
should increase from the current 36% to 57% in 2035 and 77% in
2050. In industry, this figure is expected to grow from 27% to 34%
in 2035 and 40% in 2050.
In the transport sector, electrification is expected to rise
even faster.
"Electrification in transport will increase from the current
approximately 1% to 50% by 2035. This will fundamentally change the
oil demand," La Camera emphasized.
The fourth Climate Week (CW4) of the UN Framework Convention on
Climate Change is being held in Baku through September 11, hosted
by the Republic of Azerbaijan and organized by the Azerbaijani
Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Baku, which has become an important international platform for
the climate agenda, is hosting discussions on the practical
implementation of climate decisions, the expansion of international
cooperation, and further strengthening global climate action ahead
of COP31.
Representatives of governments and international organizations,
experts, financial institutions, the private sector, and civil
society from various countries are expected to attend the
events.
Baku Climate Week is designed as an international platform for
discussions on combating climate change, the energy transition,
renewable energy, sustainable development, and accelerating climate
action.
The events will further strengthen Baku’s active role in the
global climate agenda and make an important contribution to
strengthening international climate cooperation ahead of COP31.
