The primary studies by the think-tank were carried out in coal dependent districts (Korba, Angul, Bokaro and Ramgarh) to understand and calculate the costs of transition, cost components and factors.

• In the study, just energy transition is defined as a development approach that aims to shift from fossil fuels to green energy while ensuring economic growth, protecting affected workers and communities, and enhancing energy security.

Key Findings

• Currently, coal accounts for about 55% of India’s commercial energy requirements and coal-based thermal power plants produce more than 70 per cent of electricity.
• India will require more than a trillion dollars  at current rates, to transition away from coal mining and thermal power plants in the next 30 years.
• The transition costs are split into two main categories i.e. green energy costs (52%) for infrastructure development and non-energy costs (48%) for supporting affected workers and communities.

Recommendations

• District Mineral Foundation (DMF) and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds are important resources to initiate just transition measures at the district level.
• International financing will be necessary to implement just transition measures comprehensively as recognised by India’s Long-Term Low-Carbon Development Strategy (LT-LCDC).
• Other financial measures include private investments and grants and subsidies from public sources.