COP31 will show up the folly of cleantech tariffs
XLK•COP31 organisers aim to raise electricity’s share of global final energy demand to 35% by 2035, from 23% now. The article argues that tariffs on Chinese clean technologies risk slowing electrification and that accepting more Chinese goods could ease trade tensions.
1. COP31 electrification goal
The United Nations climate summit COP31, starting in Antalya on November 9, aims to push for electricity to supply 35% of global final energy demand by 2035, up from 23% currently. The article argues that this target understates the potential of electrification because conventional energy measures do not account for losses when fuels are converted into useful energy.
2. The case for electricity
The article says fossil-fuel and nuclear power lose much of their potential energy as waste heat, while battery-powered vehicles can use up to 90% of electricity compared with as little as 15% of oil’s possible energy in petrol-powered cars. Renewables already supply 37% of electricity, per the International Energy Agency, based on the article’s useful-energy measure.
3. Tariffs and Chinese goods
The article argues that dependence on oil and gas creates economic security risks, while tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, solar panels and batteries could impede the shift to electrification. It cites US import taxes of 100% on battery-powered cars, at least 50% on solar panels and 25% on lithium-ion batteries, and says accepting more Chinese clean technologies could reduce trade tensions while giving Western companies time to develop the next generation of products.
