This policy paper explores how renewable-based electrification can serve as a means of transitioning away from fossil fuels (TAFF). It provides a clear definition of renewable-based electrification and develops a framework for assessing progress towards this transition. The paper examines the starting points and trends of five countries: Germany, Ethiopia, Turkey, Indonesia, and China. It also explores the equity implications of the proposed '35 by 35' target – which aims to increase electricity’s share of final energy consumption to 35% by 2035 –, asking how ambition can be shared fairly across countries with very different starting points. Finally, the paper identifies key priorities for COP31, including concrete actions for the German government and the European Union to accelerate renewable-based electrification and turn commitments into implementation.
