Energy, Climate and Environment Ministers from across G7 countries have committed to “predominantly” decarbonise their electricity sectors by 2035.
The communique published today said the goal is “consistent with our 2030 NDCs (Nationally Determined Contributions), our power sector transition commitments and our respective net zero commitments, concrete and timely steps towards the goal of an eventual phase-out of domestic unabated coal power generation”.
Think tank E3G senior advisor Pieter de Pous said: “Committing to a decarbonised power sector by 2035, even ‘predominantly’, is an important signal that G7 countries are aligning their power sector transition to the IEA’s scenario for achieving the 1.5 degree.
“It reflects Germany and EU responding to the war against Ukraine by accelerating energy savings and renewables policies, as well as a recognition by Japan that it will need to achieve this benchmark to avoid being isolated from its peers.
“It will now need follow up especially by Japan and the US to set out how they will align their energy transition plans to have coal-free power by 2030.”
Phil MacDonald, chief operating officer of another think tank Ember said: “The G7 have just changed the game for the global electricity transition.
“The science shows that decarbonising electricity by 2035 is the quickest and cheapest way to Net Zero.
“The past few years have made abundantly clear the many benefits of moving away from fossil fuels, and the G7 are now in agreement that this ambitious target is achievable and desirable.
“The quicker they move on this, the more they can reap the rewards of cheap, secure and sustainable power, as well as paving the way for clean electrification worldwide.”