Electrification Past "35%": Accelerating Just Fossil Fuel Phase Out to 100% Renewable Energy

​Electrification is essential to moving beyond fossil fuels, but a just transition must also close the energy access gap. Across the Global South, communities still lack sufficient, reliable, affordable, and safe electricity. This session will explore how electrification can serve decent living, essential services, and sustainable livelihoods, with underserved communities and low-income households at its centre.

​The discussion will examine what it takes to electrify transport, heating, cooling, cooking, and industry with 100% renewable energy, without using energy access needs to justify new fossil fuel infrastructure. It will consider the expansion of solar and wind, community-based energy systems, grids, and storage, alongside people-centred choices such as accessible renewable-powered public transport.

​Bringing a Global South perspective to the debate, the session will connect climate ambition with equity, ecological limits, and the fair allocation of energy resources. It will also explore how campaigners can treat “35 by 35” as a baseline for collective action, push for faster progress, and build ambition beyond the target.