Coal
A 2021 collection of essays and papers which provides modelling and analysis that begin to answer some of the following questions: Can “net zero” be a net positive for Indian and global growth? And what are the development pathways that must be put into place in the next few years to turn this new climate ambition into a new, greener development paradigm? What are the changes to the multilateral architecture, to international regulation, and to local laws that must be undertaken if ambitious targets are to be achieved — or, indeed, exceeded? And how can we ensure that the transition is just and inclusive?
[Originally posted at https://www.orfonline.org/research/shaping-our-green-future/]
A 2021 report which presents new findings on key areas of Fund surveillance related to energy transition risks, and suggests that the Fund’s approach to fossil fuels, which largely sees the imperative to reduce greenhouse gas emissions as a ‘demand side’ issue, is insufficient to address transition risks, and – more broadly – to support a just energy transition.
[Originally posted at https://www.actionaidusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/IMF-x-climate-FINAL-1.pdf]
A 2019 briefing which offers a deep dive into the positioning of key stakeholders as well as opportunities and challenges for a transition away from coal in some of Europe’s most coal-dependent regions: Ústecký kraj (Czech Republic), Western Macedonia (Greece), Upper Silesia (Poland), Horná Nitra (Slovakia) and Obilić (Kosovo). It aims to serve as background for necessary political and policy decisions surrounding a phase-out from coal.
[Originally posted at https://www.euki.de/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/E3G_2019_Stakeholder_Mappings_European_Coal_Regions_Final-1.pdf]
A 2018 chapter which presents an outline of a 'social pact' that will ensure the energy transition is a 'just transition', and not just a transition.
[Originally posted at https://institutdelors.eu/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/ch4-makingtheenergytransitionaeuropeansuccess-study-pellerincarlinfernandesrubio-june2017.pdf]
A 2022 report which reviews global, regional and national initiatives for facilitating the early retirement of coal-fired power plants and draws lessons for financing a 'just transition' and ensuring energy security.
[Originally posted at https://greenfdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/D3_Early_Coal_Retirement_Best_Practices.pdf]
A 2021 report which assesses fossil fuel industry plans to sink USD $230 billion into the development of new extraction projects in Africa in the next decade — and USD $1.4 trillion by 2050. It finds these projects are not compatible with a safe climate future and that they are at risk of becoming stranded assets that leave behind unfunded clean-up, shortfalls of government revenue, and overnight job losses. The report also contains country-level analysis for the top 16 projected oil, gas, and coal producers in Africa for 2020-2050.
[Originally posted at https://priceofoil.org/2021/10/14/the-skys-limit-africa/]
This 2021 Working Paper, produced for the South African presidential climate commission, describes "the nature of the transition and the
associated costs and benefits; the nature of existing governance systems; and key debates arising around the way forward."
[Originally posted at https://www.tips.org.za/images/Working_Paper_PCC_The_Just_Transition_in_coal_2021.pdf]
A 2021 briefing which investigates the impact of geographical differences in the availability and utilization of renewable energy resources to implement a just energy transition. This study also evaluates the impact of the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP) on contributing to achieving socio-economic development aspirations and goals at the local level. The results pointed to
two key barriers to a just energy transition in South Africa: socio-economic and institutional barriers.
[Originally posted at https://climatecompatiblegrowth.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/3C-COP26-Policy-Brief.pdf]
A 2022 case study which identifies main actors, objectives, and the relevant contextual factors forming the political economy of energy and coal in South Africa by analyzing the driving factors for the ongoing dominance of coal.
[Originally posted at https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0973082622000928]
A 2016 booklet which makes a case for a project to address the waste and pollution legacy of mining in the Witwatersrand basin with a clear linkage between the potential for revenue generation through materials reclamation and comprehensively addressing the entire rehabilitation challenge, with the participation of all stakeholders. The paper sketches the background and the extent of the challenge, the legislative and regulatory context, and the imperatives for urgent action, then focuses on the Tweelopiespruit wetlands area for a potential pilot project.
[Originally posted at https://www.tips.org.za/just-transition/item/4059-rehabilitation-of-mine-contaminated-eco-systems-a-contribution-to-a-just-transition-to-a-low-carbon-economy-to-combat-unemployment-and-climate-change]
A 2019 report which offers an analysis of the current energy system and its dynamics in employment, the current international shift from coal to renewable energy, the drivers of an energy system change in South Africa such as the falling cost of renewable energy, climate change, coal production, addressing socio-economic challenges, and the urgent need to reform Eskom. It emphasizes the importance of a transparent and people-centred Just Energy Transition led by social dialogue and consultation, ensuring equality in all forms.
[Originally posted at https://www.tips.org.za/just-transition/item/4091-remaking-our-energy-future-towards-a-just-energy-transition-in-south-africa]
Hot Reports
Covid-19 and a Just Transition in India's Coal Mining Sector
The COVID 19 pandemic hit India hard in early 2020, with negative GDP growth and a surge in unemployment. In the energy sector, coal fired power generation was already under pressure from overcapacity, low electricity demand growth, and increasingly competitive renewables.
Considerations for a Just and Equitable Energy Transition
As the energy transition accelerates, it is our responsibility, it is our opportunity, to ensure that in addition to contributing to a healthy planet by replacing fossil fuels with clean energy sources, this is accomplished in a just and equitable manner providing prosperity for all.
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