MODULE 4 - Just Energy Transition

The Indian Energy Transition Series

The EU and India: Inevitable Partners for a Rules-Based International Order - Heinrich Böll Stiftung Delhi

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MODULE 4 - Just Energy Transition

(Playtime - 6:21)

This video explains why fairness and inclusion must be central to India’s energy transition. It explores the social impacts on workers, coal-dependent regions, local communities, and why planned, participatory transition is essential.

🔑 Key Takeaways
  • What makes a transition “just”

  • Social & economic risks for workers and districts

  • Global roots of Just Transition frameworks

  • India’s vulnerable regions and workers

  • Policies & taskforces shaping inclusive transition pathways

Wide-Ranging Impacts of Decarbonisation

Employment

Direct job losses in extraction and power generation threaten livelihoods.

Local economies

Mining towns lose their economic foundation and tax base.

Public revenue

States dependent on coal royalties face fiscal pressure.

Land use

Renewable projects compete for space with other essential uses.

What Is a Just Transition?

A transition that shares both benefits and burdens fairly — ensuring no worker or community is left behind as fossil fuels decline.

Just transition policies aim to create new opportunities whilst cushioning inevitable disruptions.

From Trade Unions to Global Policy

 

 

India's Just Transition Challenge: The Numbers
22M

Workers at risk

Employed across fossil fuel extraction, processing, and power generation sectors.

150

Dependent districts

Communities where coal and fossil industries dominate local economies.

70%

Informal labour

Workers without formal contracts or social protection face greatest vulnerability.

Just transition in India is a complex issue that demands strong political will and ethical commitment to ensure timely policy development.
India's Path to Just Transition Framework

Coal mine closure guidelines

Revised frameworks establish protocols for managing shutdowns and supporting affected workers.

Jharkhand Just Transition Taskforce

India's first state-level body dedicated to planning and implementing just transition measures.

Inter-ministerial working group

National coordination mechanism for net-zero planning across government departments.

Just Transition Work Programme

Launched at the United Nations Climate Change Summit in 2023, it aims to integrate just transition into climate change strategies.   

More Modules

Module 1
What is Energy Transition

Module 2
Energy Transition: The Indian Perspective

Module 3
Sectoral Actions for Energy Transition

Module 5
Women and Energy Transition

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