COP 31 Side Event - Energy Transition Across Sectors: Global Pathways, National Complexity

Achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement requires a comprehensive transformation of energy systems—extending beyond clean power supply to encompass demand-side shifts across key sectors of the economy. While global roadmaps increasingly point toward electrification, renewable energy deployment, and low-emission technologies as critical pillars of decarbonisation, translating these models into actionable national strategies remains complex, shaped by diverse socioeconomic, infrastructural, and developmental realities.

This event will explore how countries can navigate the trade-offs and opportunities of sectoral transitions while safeguarding equity, affordability, and sustainable development. Drawing on recent research across national, subnational, and regional levels, experts from TERI will examine the technological, institutional, and behavioural shifts needed to accelerate clean energy adoption. The discussion will highlight how technology choices are intrinsically linked to affordability, consumer behaviour, access to finance, and governance capacity.

The session will also critically assess the limitations of broad global benchmarks, such as the “35 by 35” electrification milestone, examining why progress toward decarbonisation cannot be judged solely through aggregate targets. Particular attention will be paid to how domestic circumstances—including energy access gaps, industrial profiles, and projected demand growth—dictate realistic sectoral priorities.

By synthesising research, policy perspectives, and practical implementation experience, the dialogue aims to help policymakers and practitioners adapt global ambitions into grounded, inclusive, and effective transition strategies.

Speakers

• Leena Nandan, Distinguished Fellow, TERI
• Manish Shrivastava, Associate Director, TERI