Just Energy Transition

Phasing down coal and the just energy transition

On 3 December 2024, in the framework of the Thirteenth International Forum on Energy for Sustainable Development, UNECE and ESCAP organized a session on ‘Phasing down coal and the just energy transition – national, regional and global perspectives’ spotlighting the critical challenges and opportunities of phasing down coal while ensuring a just energy transition.

The session brought together diverse stakeholders including government ministries, private sector representatives, financial institutions, international organizations, and civil society to discuss strategies for a sustainable energy transition. It featured presentations on global coal-phase down trends, the experience of phasing out coal production in the United Kingdom – the birthplace of coal power - and examples of more recent efforts to phase down coal in Indonesia, Vietnam and the Philippines. Following the presentations, an Expert Panel Discussion convened a diverse group of stakeholders to share experiences and lessons learned in coal phase-down efforts, explore economic and social mechanisms for accelerating the retirement of coal-fired power stations, and strengthen networks to support the transitions, emphasizing the importance of ensuring a just and equitable process at national, regional, and sub-regional levels.

Experts highlighted that Global Coal Production reached a record 179 exajoules in 2023, with the Asia-Pacific region contributing nearly 80% of global output. A few countries dominate this regional production, accounting for 97% of the region's coal output.

Despite ongoing challenges, the transition to cleaner energy sources is gaining momentum. A notable example is the G7's commitment to end "unabated" coal use by 2035, reflecting a growing global shift toward decarbonization. However, the session emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach to coal phase-down, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region, where over 170 gigawatts of coal capacity are currently under construction. Addressing the economic and social impacts on coal-dependent communities is essential to ensuring a just and equitable transition.

UNECE participates in the high-level event ‘European Coal in Transition: rising like a phoenix’

8 May 2024

To share its experience with coal mine methane management, UNECE participated in an event co-hosted in the region of Asturias by EURACOAL and the European Research Executive Agency on 8 May 2024.

Underlining that methane abatement is one of the most impactful actions that we can take in the short term to mitigate the increase of average temperatures and the impact of climate change, while also positively contributing to the achievement of many other Sustainable Development Goals, the secretary of UNECE Group of Experts on Coal Mine Methane and Just Transition presented best practice guidance documents and other policies and tools developed by the Group in the area of coal mine methane emission mitigation. The ensuing panel discussion delved into the role of methane regulation, monitoring and reporting and the role of UNECE and other international organizations.

The event also featured presentations by members of UNECE Group of Experts, including by the Chair of the Task Force on Safe Operations and Closure of Coal Mines and the Vice-Chair of the Group of Experts on Cleaner Electricity Systems.