COP31 Energy Ministerial highlights opportunities to strengthen energy security, affordability and transitions through cooperation

With energy security and affordability high on the international agenda, ministers and energy leaders gathered at COP31 in Antalya today to discuss how countries can respond to immediate pressures without losing sight of their longer-term energy and climate goals – and how closer international cooperation can help deliver on both.

Held during COP31 in Antalya, the Türkiye Energy Ministerial Dialogue – co-chaired by the IEA and Türkiye’s Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources – brought together senior government representatives, industry leaders, investors and international institutions from around the world to identify priorities for energy policy and investment. The discussions will also help inform a World Leaders Summit event on electrification taking place on 11 November.

The meeting was opened by IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol alongside Türkiye’s Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Alparslan Bayraktar. Keynote remarks were delivered by Kushla Munro, Australia’s Executive Director of COP31 Negotiations (participating on behalf of COP31 President of Negotiations Chris Bowen). Other high-level participants included EU Commissioner for Energy and Housing Dan Jørgensen, COP21 President and former French Prime Minister Laurent Fabius, COP26 President Lord Sharma, Azerbaijani COP29 President Mukhtar Babayev and Norway’s Special Envoy for Climate and Security Hans Olav Ibrekk.

Discussions took place against a backdrop of continued uncertainty in global energy markets, which has reinforced the importance of secure and diversified supplies. Meanwhile, rising energy demand – driven by industrialisation, urbanisation, artificial intelligence and the growing use of electricity across economies – is putting additional pressure on energy infrastructure worldwide. Participants emphasised that many of the measures needed to strengthen energy security can also support climate goals, creating new opportunities for countries to work together.

Electricity was also at the heart of discussions. As more parts of the global economy become electrified, access to reliable and affordable power is increasingly important for economic competitiveness and development.

The ministerial built on a series of High-Level Energy Transition Dialogues convened this year by the IEA and COP31 Presidency, in collaboration with the Australian government and the United Nations, to inform discussions at COP31. It also drew on the IEA’s latest analysis, including a new IEA special report on electrification commissioned by Türkiye and Australia. 

IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol said: “In response to the unprecedented disruptions to global energy markets this year, governments are becoming laser-focused on practical solutions to meet rising energy demand while making their energy systems more affordable, secure and resilient. Faster electrification – as set out in the 35-by-35 Pledge, based on IEA analysis – is central to this effort: alongside investment in grids and clean energy technologies, it offers important opportunities to advance energy security and climate goals together. But as today’s dialogue has highlighted, international collaboration will be key to accelerating progress towards these shared priorities. As strategic partner of the COP31 Presidency, we are pleased to bring this work together here in Antalya to help inform the decisions taken at this conference.”

Türkiye Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Alparslan Bayraktar said: “Energy security is national security. We will electrify Türkiye’s economy. Delivering our shared 35-by-35 ambition requires affordable finance, strong grids and international partnerships. Türkiye envisages around $300 billion in energy transition investment by 2040. Our National Energy Plan 2040 reflects our determination to turn ambitious targets into action.”