TIPPING+ at EUSEW2023: How to accelerate energy transition?
The European Sustainable Energy Week (EUSEW) took place in a hybrid format on 20-22 June 2023. The EUSEW was the biggest European annual conference dedicated to renewables and energy efficiency. The TIPPING+, Justem, ENTRANCES and CINTRAN projects hosted an online event, entitled “Accelerating just energy transition(s) in coal and carbon-intensive regions”, moderated by Diana Süsser, aiming to discuss positive social tipping points and necessary policy interventions to accelerate just transitions.
Ricardo Garcia Mira (ENTRANCES) took the floor and presented social aspects and gender issues as derived from examining 13 case studies in order to make the transition just and transparent. Moving on, Carsten Rothballer (CINTRAN) explained the results from over 400 examples of different actions taken by governments, business and community groups to identify drivers of change in coping strategies.
Up next, Serafeim Michas (TIPPING+) showcased the key results of the Greek Case Study on Megalopolis that highlight the energy transition options of the regions towards a new sustainable energy future. The presentation analysed the risk of Megalopolis entering a new natural gas lock-in, and the benefits of electrification combined with renewable energy and storage for the citizens and the green rebranding of the region.
Lastly, Balbina Gluza-Czyczerska (Just Transition Platform) shared insights about the Just Transition Platform, the EU's key tool to help Member States and regions unlock the support available through the Just Transition Mechanism, ensuring a fair and 'just' transition that leaves no person or region behind.
The discussions that followed mainly focused on the importance of addressing different aspects such as employment, migration, gender and youth to create transformative capacities in the regions. Lastly, another important topic raised was the inclusion of civil society and affected citizens of these regions in the process of designing the just transition plans.
Did you miss the session? Watch the recording here!