Modern Grids as the Backbone of Secure, Affordable and Clean Electrification

The COP31 Presidency has put electrification at the heart of its Action Agenda with the “35x35” ambition: increasing electricity's share of global energy demand from 20% today to 35% by 2035. As the buildout of renewables, electrification of end-uses and industrial demand continues to accelerate worldwide, grid expansion and modernisation have become the defining challenge for delivering secure, affordable and competitive clean energy.

Hosted by the German Government and organised by Agora Energiewende as part of the Electrify Now Campaign, this event will bring together policymakers, regulators, industry leaders and implementation partners to discuss how grids can be an enabler rather than a bottleneck of the energy transition. It will also launch a new cross-sector Grid Modernisation & Flexible Electrification Policy Toolkit, developed by a consortium of partners, offering practical guidance for accelerating grid reforms and deployment.

The discussion will address grid modernisation across two timescales. A long-term vision and plan for grid modernisation and optimisation is crucial to meet ambitious electrification scenarios. At the same time, a range of grid measures can be implemented in the short term to improve affordability and energy security. Drawing on different national experiences and insights from the new toolkit, participants will show how long-term planning can be pivotal in making projects investable and shaping market signals for efficient grid expansion. The discussion will also highlight grid optimisation measures that enable countries to use more domestic renewables, connect new demand quickly, or use existing renewables more efficiently. In doing so, grid optimisation measures help minimise fossil fuel consumption, reduce energy bills and limit exposure to global commodity markets.

Photo: Andrey Metelev