Electrification to Lead the Next Phase of Energy Transition

Why It Matters

Electrification determines whether the world can meet climate targets while securing energy supply, making it a pivotal investment priority for governments and businesses.

Key Takeaways

• Electrification must expand to transport, industry, buildings, digital sectors.
• IRENA projects electricity share of consumption rising to 35% by 2035.
• Fossil fuel share expected to drop below 20% by 2050.
• 2,500 GW of wind/solar await grid connection, creating bottleneck.
• Massive infrastructure investment needed for energy security and competitiveness.

Summary

The video outlines IRENA’s view that electrification will drive the next phase of the global energy transition, as geopolitical tensions, fossil‑fuel price swings and rising demand threaten the 1.5 °C pathway.

IRENA’s roadmap calls for electricity’s share of final energy use to climb from 23 % today to 35 % by 2035 and exceed 50 % by 2050, while fossil‑fuel share falls from 80 % to under 20 % in the same period. Achieving this will require tripling renewable capacity and doubling energy efficiency, plus electrifying transport, industry, buildings and digitalisation.

The agency highlights that 2,500 GW of wind and solar projects are already built but await grid connection, underscoring a massive infrastructure bottleneck. It stresses that unprecedented capital flows into grids, storage and smart‑network technologies are essential.

The shift promises stronger energy security, greener industrial bases and enhanced economic competitiveness, but hinges on coordinated policy, financing and rapid deployment of grid upgrades worldwide.

Original Description

IRENA's latest roadmap finds that electrifying transport, industry and buildings, alongside tripling renewables and doubling efficiency, can drive electrification from 23% to over 50% of energy consumption by 2050.

To read the full report: https://www.irena.org/Publications/2026/May/Transitioning-away-from-fossil-fuels