In Indonesia, the House of Representatives’ (DPR’s) decision to revise the Mineral and Coal (Minerba) Law during a closed-door meeting has attracted criticism from academics and civil society. Critics highlight the lack of transparency and argue that granting mining permits to universities in addition to religious organisations since 2024 has undermined environmental commitments, academic freedom, and energy transition goals. The rushed amendment process, which bypassed the proper legislative procedures, has raised concerns about conflicts of interest, environmental destruction, and increased social tensions in affected regions.

After a year in office, Poland’s government has made little progress on its energy transition promises, failing to implement robust enough legislation to reduce reliance on coal or promote renewable energy. Critics highlight the lack of a coherent strategy, raising concerns about Poland’s commitment to European Union climate targets and environmental sustainability. The continued dependence on coal is undermining Poland’s efforts to align with the European Green Deal, leaving the country lagging behind in the pursuit of a just energy transition and renewable energy development.

Wyoming’s coal-dependent communities are facing challenges accessing federal grants for energy transition, according to a recent report by Resources for the Future. Complex application processes, administrative hurdles, and limited local capacity are hindering efforts to secure funding. Federal officials have provided technical assistance, but political resistance and a lack of resources are continuing to delay economic diversification. These obstacles risk slowing Wyoming’s ability to transition away from coal while also supporting affected communities and fostering new opportunities in clean energy development.

A recent study highlights the struggle of South Africa’s coal-reliant provinces, including Mpumalanga, to prepare for a just energy transition. The study, conducted by Net Zero Tracker and South South North, found that provincial government and corporate plans reveal widespread gaps in supporting the workers and communities who will be most affected by the coal phase-out. Although some corporations have proposed reskilling and community investment, provincial strategies remain largely absent, risking deeper inequalities. Only the Western Cape has developed meaningful policies to address the socio-economic impacts of the clean energy transition.

Romania will extend its coal phase-out by 3 years beyond the 2032 deadline, citing energy security concerns and delays in developing replacement gas-fired plants. Energy Minister Sebastian Burduja revealed that no bids were submitted for a recent tender to construct gas-fired units, leaving the country without adequate facilities to replace its coal plants. Romania plans to seek exemptions from the European Commission to support this extension and address its energy transition challenges.

A study by the Canadian Climate Institute found that around 10% of Canadian communities, especially those that rely on fossil fuels, are highly vulnerable to economic disruption from the global energy transition. Researchers analysed employment in emissions-intensive industries, dependence on trade-exposed fossil fuel sectors, and proximity to major emitters. Vulnerable regions include 16 communities in Quebec, 14 in Alberta, and 8 in Ontario. The study urges targeted government support to help these areas adapt and diversify in a net-zero economy.

The Colombian government has inaugurated 80 solar-powered energy communities—known as Miichi Ka’i (Sun homes)—in La Guajira, providing electricity to 1,409 rural families, including Wayuu communities. Developed by IPSE, the government agency for energy access, these systems support self-consumption, communication, water pumping, and food preservation. This initiative showcases renewable energy’s role in addressing connectivity challenges and empowering local communities. With the aim of creating 5,000 communities by 2026, it represents significant progress towards a just and inclusive energy transition in Colombia.

Indonesia’s special envoy for climate and energy, Hashim Djojohadikusumo, claims that the new U.S. administration is likely to exit the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) for Indonesia, throwing the future of the plan into question. Launched in 2022, the JETP aims to mobilise around USD 20 billion in loans and grants from wealthy countries, including the U.S., to support Indonesia’s transition away from coal. If the U.S. does withdraw, Indonesia will look to countries including China, Japan, and South Korea to bolster its climate ambitions, Djojohadikusumo said.

The Intermountain Power Project in Delta, Utah, is replacing its 1.9-gigawatt coal-fired plant with an 840-megawatt gas-fired facility designed to run on 100% green hydrogen by 2045. As the world’s first operational gas power plant built for 100% carbon-free hydrogen use, it is considered a rare success in shifting former coal communities to renewable energy. However, experts note that replicating this model elsewhere may be challenging due to Delta’s unique circumstances, including its existing infrastructure, its strong municipal partnerships, and the significant financial investments it has received.

The Colombian Attorney General’s report, Colombia y la Transición Energética, has provided recommendations for an inclusive energy transition. It emphasises renewable energy growth, improved transmission, and emission reduction strategies, while balancing social progress with economic stability. The report highlights the need to support affected communities to ensure energy security and foster sustainable industries. One recommendation stresses the importance of timely planning for economic activities to replace revenues from fossil fuel extraction, so as to ensure a just and sustainable transition for all stakeholders.

The Chilean government is revising Supreme Decree No. 13 to impose stricter emission limits on coal-fired plants by targeting particulate matter, sulphur dioxide, and nitrogen oxides. These changes, which are part of its decarbonisation strategy to phase out coal by 2040, may also regulate mercury and nickel. With milestones like the early closure of AES Andes’ Norgener plant in April 2024, the decree aims to reduce air pollution while balancing environmental goals and technological upgrades in the coal industry.

The Green Connection, a South African environmental organisation, has criticised Eskom’s Retail Tariff Plan for its inequitable pricing, which disproportionately impacts low-income households who are unable to shift their electricity usage to off-peak times. They oppose increases in fixed-tariff portions, which require payment even without grid usage, and highlight Eskom’s debt from costly, inefficient projects like Medupi and Kusile. The organisation calls for inclusive stakeholder engagement to create a fair electricity pricing framework that addresses socio-economic disparities and supports a just energy transition.

In Slovenia’s Zasavje region, the Just Transition Centre has been established to guide the area’s shift from its coal-dependent past to a sustainable future. Historically an industrial hub, Zasavje was facing economic decline after mine closures, leading to population decreases and more commuting. The centre aims to revitalise the local economy by fostering green initiatives, supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, and creating local job opportunities to ensure a balanced and inclusive transition.

The European Commission has allocated EUR 175 million through the Research Fund for Coal and Steel to support research and innovation in these sectors. This includes EUR 35 million for projects focused on managing the just transition for coal mines, such as repurposing closed mines, restoring environments, and monitoring methane emissions. The funding aims to address the socio-economic impacts of coal phase-out while promoting sustainable development in affected regions.

At COP 29, negotiations on the Just Transition Work Programme ended without an agreement, reflecting divisions between developed and developing nations. According to Manjonjo, a just transition associate at Power Shift Africa, developed countries prioritised mitigation and energy concerns, while African and Global South nations emphasised social protections and equitable energy access. Rejecting an unfavourable deal was seen as better than accepting one that could undermine the priorities of vulnerable nations in the transition.

Vietnam’s Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP), established with international partners to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, is facing criticism over human rights concerns. The arrest of environmental activist Hoàng Thị Minh Hồng in 2023 highlights the Vietnamese government’s suppression of civil society involvement in energy transition processes. Critics argue that the JETP’s top-down approach excludes public participation, undermining its legitimacy and effectiveness in addressing environmental and social justice issues.