The South Korean government has pledged its support for an international commitment to increase the share of electricity in global energy consumption to 35% by 2035.
The country plans to expand electrification in the industrial and transportation sectors and participate in international cooperation for the transition to clean energy.
On November 11, the Ministry of Climate, Energy, and Environment announced its support for Turkey's proposed '35-by-35' commitment during the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31) taking place in Antalya, Turkey.
The goal of this commitment is to raise the share of electricity consumption in global final energy consumption to 35% by 2035. Turkey has requested participating countries to share their electrification policies and implementation plans during this conference.
Electrification involves converting facilities that directly use fossil fuels in industries and transportation to electric-based systems, which can enhance greenhouse gas reduction effects when combined with efforts to reduce carbon emissions in electricity generation.
South Korea is sending Kang Geum-sil, the Global Climate and Environment Ambassador, as a special envoy to the 'High-Level Dialogue on Clean Energy Transition and Electrification' taking place on the same day. Ambassador Kang is expected to express South Korea's commitment to joining international efforts to achieve a 35% global electrification rate.
The government will also introduce key domestic policies, including the 'Energy Transition Promotion Plan' announced in April, the 'First Basic Plan for Renewable Energy' released in May, and the 'Power Grid Innovation Measures' from September. These initiatives aim to promote electrification and achieve substantial greenhouse gas reductions.
Additionally, the government plans to expand the electrification of industrial processes and the deployment of clean energy technologies such as electric vehicles and heat pumps. It intends to leverage its accumulated technology and experience in the battery and electric vehicle sectors to support other countries in building their electrification foundations and transitioning to clean energy.
In particular, the government aims to strengthen international cooperation through initiatives like 'RISE ASIA,' announced in September, to support the electrification expansion of Asian countries and participate in efforts for clean energy transition.
A climate ministry official stated, "With this commitment, we plan to accelerate the energy transition linked to the expansion of domestic electrification and decarbonization in the power sector. We will share our domestic policy experiences and technological capabilities with the international community to contribute to achieving global carbon neutrality."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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