South Korea Backs International '35% Electrification by 2035' Pledge at COP31

South Korea will express its support for an international pledge to raise the global electrification rate to 35% by 2035 in Antalya, Türkiye, where the 31st Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP31) is being held. The country plans to pursue carbon neutrality by electrifying industrial processes and expanding the use of clean energy technologies, including electric vehicles and heat pumps, while contributing to the international energy transition.

The Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment said on November 11 that, on the occasion of COP31, South Korea supports the "35 by 35" pledge proposed by Türkiye. The pledge aims to increase electricity's share of global final energy consumption to 35% by 2035. Türkiye asked countries participating in COP31 to share their electrification policies and implementation plans.

People walk through the venue of the 31st Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP31) in Antalya, Türkiye, on Tuesday, November 10, 2026. (AP/Photo by Khalil Hamra) Yonhap News Agency

South Korea plans to send Kang Kum-sil, its Global Climate and Environment Ambassador, as a presidential special envoy to the "High-Level Dialogue on Clean Energy Transition and Electrification" taking place on November 11, where she will express the country's support for the pledge. Kang will stress the importance of electrification as a key means of achieving carbon neutrality and convey South Korea's intention to join international efforts.

South Korea will also introduce key policies announced this year, including its "Energy Transition Plan," "First Basic Plan for Renewable Energy" and "Power Grid Innovation Measures." It plans to promote the electrification of industrial processes and expand the use of clean energy technologies, such as electric vehicles and heat pumps, with the aim of advancing electrification while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

To expand international cooperation, South Korea plans to draw on its accumulated expertise and experience in batteries and electric vehicles to support countries in building the foundations for electrification and transitioning to clean energy. The ministry said that, following its support for the pledge, it plans to accelerate the energy transition by linking expanded electrification at home with decarbonization of the power sector, and to contribute to global carbon neutrality by sharing its policy experience and technological capabilities with the international community.

COP31 is being held in Antalya, Türkiye, from November 9 to 20.

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