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Just Energy Transition Programs (JETPs)

A Multi-Stakeholder Approach to Sustainable Energy Transition

location: South Africa

This case study examines the Just Energy Transition Programs (JETPs), a comprehensive initiative aimed at facilitating the transition from coal mining to clean energy in various regions. The JETPs prioritize the integration of climate action, socio-economic considerations, and community engagement in order to achieve sustainable and equitable energy transitions. This case study focuses on the initial program implemented in South Africa and explores the challenges and complexities encountered during the planning phase.

Background

The JETPs originated from the "You Get My Years" initiative launched in 2021 as a collaborative effort between the United Kingdom, G7, and G20. The initiative aimed to address energy transition programs globally. The first JETP was specifically designed for South Africa, where significant financial assistance from global North countries was provided to facilitate the shift from coal mining to clean energy sources.

Context

In South Africa, the coal mining industry employs approximately 160,000 individuals, with the majority located in one province, which heavily relies on the sector for its economic stability. Recognizing the interconnectedness of economic, social, and environmental factors, JETPs emphasized the need to consider the social dimensions alongside the financial and corporate aspects of the transition process.

Objectives

The primary objective of JETPs was to develop a comprehensive transition mechanism that encompassed climate action, socio-economic considerations, and community engagement. The program aimed to facilitate the transition to clean energy, remediate the land previously used for coal mining, and address the reskilling and rehoming needs of affected communities. Importantly, the involvement and agreement of the local communities, as represented by strong labor unions in South Africa, were deemed crucial for the success of JETPs.

Implementation

The JETPs were piloted in South Africa, with plans to extend the program to Indonesia, Vietnam, and West Africa. The implementation process faced significant challenges due to its complexity and the diverse range of stakeholders involved. The program required a sophisticated, multi-stakeholder approach to address the broader socio-economic impacts of the transition and ensure community voices were considered in decision-making processes.

Key Components

The key components of the JETPs included:

Clean Energy Transition: The program aimed to facilitate the shift from coal to clean energy sources, reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainability.
Land Remediation: JETPs emphasized the remediation of brownfields land previously used for coal mining, transforming it into green spaces or other beneficial purposes.
Reskilling and Rehoming: Recognizing the need for workforce reintegration, the program focused on providing training and support for affected individuals to transition into new industries or occupations.
Community Engagement: JETPs prioritized community voice, considering the perspectives and needs of local communities throughout the transition process.

Challenges and Ongoing Progress

Despite two years since the program's initiation, significant challenges hindered the progress of the JETPs. The complexities associated with aligning the interests of multiple stakeholders and the extensive planning required delayed the implementation phase. While plans have been formulated, substantial action is yet to be observed.

Conclusion

The Just Energy Transition Programs (JETPs) represent a multi-dimensional approach to sustainable energy transition. By integrating climate action, socio-economic considerations, and community engagement, JETPs aim to address the challenges associated with shifting from coal mining to clean energy sources.

The program's pilot in South Africa highlighted the importance of considering the social dimensions alongside financial and corporate aspects, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive, multi-stakeholder approach