IKEM is spearheading collaborative cross-border research to promote a just transition in coal regions.

The transition to a sustainable energy system requires a fundamental change in every sector, on every level and in all areas of society. A transformation of this magnitude and intensity will only succeed with broad support and active engagement on behalf of a majority of citizens. A future-proof economy must ensure broad social inclusion and benefit everyone, especially those who are most vulnerable.

While necessary and highly beneficial overall, the energy transition risks having a negative impact on carbon-intensive regions and sectors. Coal regions, once the backbone of industrial growth and prosperity, are now facing major challenges due to the decline of the coal industry: This decline threatens economic growth and employment, and often touches on deep matters of regional identity.

1. Understand, discover, learn

Examine the key building blocks for a just transition in coal regions
-
Explore best practices and success factors in selected coal regions
-
Enrich research results with insight from regional stakeholders

2. Connect, inspire, facilitate

Link findings with best practices from the WindNODE project
-
Develop a Just Transition Toolbox for coal regions
-
Develop a tailored roadmap for a just transition in Lusatia

3. Network, engage, advocate

Promote interregional dialogue through network building
-
Mobilise broad societal engagement through targeted communication strategies
-
Communicate the necessary regulatory changes to the public and policy makers

A just transition can help coal regions reduce the impact of the phaseout on livelihoods and communities and create new green sectors, high-quality, decent & meaningful jobs, and resilient, liveable neighbourhoods. Such a just transition has at its heart a well-managed, inclusive, and fair transition process that is accompanied by a respectful and meaningful social dialogue on all levels.

Despite historical and cultural differences, many coal-intensive regions around the world face similar economic, social, and environmental challenges. There is no one-size-fits-all approach, but communities in transition can benefit from sharing with their peers successes and challenges that they have encountered in their own journey toward a low-carbon future.

The Institute for Climate Protection, Energy and Mobility (IKEM) is spearheading cross-border collaborative research on transition processes in a variety of current and former coal regions worldwide. Starting from the German lignite region of Lusatia all the way to Colorado in the USA and Japan’s Hokkaido Island, we are investigating a wide range of solutions and success factors conducive to fair and constructive transitions in traditional energy regions. With our applied research, network-building, and communication activities, we want to provide hands-on support for a truly just transition in coal regions and contribute to a sustainable future that benefits everyone.

Visit our findings page to continue!

The ‘Just Transition Study’ is part of the WindNODE project and sponsored by the German Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi) as part of the programme ‘SINTEG — Smart Energy Showcases’.