European Commissioner for Energy and Housing Dan Jørgensen emphasized Europe’s critical need to electrify for enhanced energy security, climate ambition, and economic competitiveness. Speaking at the Electrify Now Ministerial at COP31 in Antalya, Türkiye, on 10 November 2026, Jørgensen asserted that these three objectives are “inseparable.”
Jørgensen highlighted that Europe’s reliance on imported fossil fuels leaves its economies vulnerable to external disruptions, citing the Strait of Hormuz and the energy, fertiliser, and food crises stemming from Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. He stated, “Our dependence on imported fossil fuels leaves our economies exposed to disruptions beyond our control.” This vulnerability, he argued, leads to rising costs for households and businesses.
The Commissioner called for Europe to secure its current energy supplies while actively reducing exposure to future crises. He affirmed that Europe will continue to invest in clean power, resilient electricity grids, and electric technologies, viewing these as crucial investments in resilience and the ability to shape its own future.
Global Electrification for Development
Jørgensen extended the case for clean electrification beyond Europe, focusing on the priorities of emerging markets and developing economies. He explained that reliable electricity can foster growing industries, create jobs, and support public services, offering examples such as clinics maintaining vaccine cold chains, farmers powering irrigation, and small businesses acquiring electric machinery. Countries developing infrastructure today, he noted, have a unique opportunity to meet increasing demand with clean electricity from the outset.
He also discussed the ASEAN region, where expanding cities and manufacturing sectors are driving energy demand. Jørgensen identified electric two-wheelers, efficient cooling solutions, and industrial electrification as promising areas, and underscored the potential of power grids to enable countries to share renewable resources and collectively strengthen energy security.
Unlocking Finance for Electrification
A central theme of Jørgensen’s address was the financial challenge of electrification. He stressed the necessity of affordable financing for clean power and grids, as well as for households and businesses purchasing electric equipment. To address this, he announced the launch of the Electrify Now Finance Coalition at the ministerial.
This new coalition aims to bring together governments, development banks, and private finance to unlock investment in emerging and developing economies. Jørgensen explained that the coalition will work based on country priorities to help prepare investable projects, mitigate investment risks, and overcome regulatory barriers. He welcomed the participation of key partners, including the European Investment Bank, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization. Norway and the Netherlands were also welcomed to the growing government coalition, with an open invitation for other partners to join.
Jørgensen concluded by noting that the national priorities and practical examples shared at the ministerial would guide cooperation by aligning countries’ needs with expertise and financial support. He also announced the planned launch of Electrified Cities at the EU Pavilion on 12 November, an initiative designed to connect local governments with businesses and finance to develop practical urban solutions.
What is the Electrify Now Finance Coalition?
The Electrify Now Finance Coalition is a new initiative launched by European Commissioner Dan Jørgensen at COP31. It aims to bring together governments, development banks, and private finance to unlock investment in clean power, grids, and electric technologies in emerging and developing economies.
Why is electrification crucial for Europe, according to Jørgensen?
According to Commissioner Jørgensen, electrification is crucial for Europe because it is inseparable from climate ambition, economic competitiveness, and energy security. It reduces exposure to fossil fuel disruptions, stabilizes costs for households and businesses, and allows Europe to shape its own future.
What is the Electrified Cities initiative?
Electrified Cities is a planned initiative scheduled to launch at the EU Pavilion on 12 November. It aims to bring together local governments with businesses and finance to develop and implement practical urban solutions for electrification.
