EXPERT EXCHANGE: THE JUST TRANSITION TOOLBOX FOR COAL REGIONS – KNOWLEDGE NEEDS IN SOUTH-EAST-ASIAN CONTEXT

On 10 May 2023, the workshop “The Just Transition Toolbox for Coal Regions – knowledge needs in the South-East-Asian context” with the participants from Viet Nam, Germany, India, Indonesia, Thailand, Mongolia, South Africa, Colombia and Chile was organized by the Innovation Regions for a Just Energy Transition (IKI JET) project, the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, in collaboration with the Wuppertal Institute, the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD).

The workshop welcomed speakers from Wuppertal Institute (Germany), the Institute for Essential Services Reform (Indonesia), Sirindhorn International Institute of Technology (Thailand), India Just Transition Centre International Forum for Environment, Sustainability & Technology and GIZ.

The workshop began with an introduction to the “Just Transition Toolbox for coal regions,” providing practitioners with an overview of the invaluable guidance material available. This Toolbox has been developed by the Wuppertal Institute to be a comprehensive compendium of experiences and good practices with references and links to existing world-wide handbooks, tools and guidelines.

This workshop brought together a diverse range of experts and stakeholders, fostering a dynamic and inclusive dialogue on the specific challenges and knowledge needs in the South-East-Asian context. With countries in the region grappling with the economic, social, and environmental consequences of transitioning away from coal, the workshop provided a unique opportunity for participants to gain insights from each other’s experiences, identify common challenges, and explore innovative solutions.

The discussions during the workshop centered around key aspects of just transition, including strategies for governance, sustainable employment creation, technology options, and the rehabilitation and repurposing of coal-related sites and infrastructure. By sharing experiences, lessons learned, and best practices, the workshop aimed to enhance the capacity of decision-makers and practitioners in South-East-Asian countries to effectively navigate the complex process of transitioning their coal regions towards sustainable, low-carbon futures.

The Expert Exchange workshop represents a crucial step in advancing the objectives of the IKI JET project and the JET-CR Platform. By facilitating collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and expertise exchange, it contributes to the global effort to address the challenges of coal transition while ensuring a just and sustainable future for affected regions. Through ongoing dialogues and collaborative initiatives, the workshop participants and stakeholders aim to create a network of support and expertise that will continue to drive the just energy transition agenda forward, not only in South-East-Asia but also across the globe.

This valuable resource will continue to evolve, incorporating the knowledge and experiences shared by experts and practitioners, and serving as a practical guide to support decision-makers in effectively managing the complexities of transitioning coal regions towards sustainable, low-carbon development.

The Expert Exchange workshop marks a significant milestone in the journey towards a just and sustainable energy transition, emphasizing the importance of international collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and capacity-building. As coal regions around the world grapple with the challenges and opportunities of transitioning to a climate-neutral economy, such exchanges serve as crucial platforms for fostering global cooperation and finding innovative solutions. The path to a sustainable future demands collective action, and workshops like these pave the way for a more inclusive, equitable, and environmentally responsible energy landscape.

This Expert Exchange is held as part of the “The Just Energy Transition in Coal Regions – Interregional Platform” (JET-CR Platform) as a component of the project Innovation Regions for a Just Energy Transition (IKI JET). The JET-CR Platform is co-financed by the International Climate Initiative (IKI) of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action and the European Union. The IKI JET supports the transition away from a coal-based, unsustainable energy system towards a net zero emission and climate resilient energy system, reducing greenhouse gas emissions from coal use, while ensuring environmental protection, inclusive and sustainable economic development with decent employment opportunities along with social protection in selected coal regions in Asia, Africa and Latin America.