Promoting Just Energy Transition
Powering a Sustainable Future in Sindh
In the pursuit of sustainable development, the significance of renewable energy and inclusive growth cannot be underestimated. The initiative of Civil Society Support Program (CSSP) titled “Powering a Sustainable Future in Sindh: Promoting Just Energy Transition” is spearheading strategic changes in Sindh, Pakistan’s energy sector.
The objective is to embed sustainability and inclusivity into renewable energy (RE) practices throughout the province, addressing different stages of the value chain. By incorporating social, economic, and environmental considerations from the viewpoint of key stakeholders, this initiative aims to establish a holistic approach for offering long term benefits to all parties involved.
This initiative comprises several integral components. Firstly, the establishment of a Just Energy Transition Alliances initially at three RE potential districts (Jamshoro, Thatta and Sukkur) level and a provincial level which is aimed at uniting concerned communities and relevant stakeholders further to advocating for promotion of equitable and sustainable energy transition practices in Sindh. Secondly, active engagement with the Sindh Energy Regulatory Authority (SEPRA) to shape policies and designs of renewable energy projects; mainly focusing on ensuring alignment with local needs of affected communities and the community engagement Additionally, analyzing Sindh’s energy regulatory framework in comparison to the federal framework identifies harmonization opportunities to facilitate the just energy transition. Facilitating research on Energy Commons explores innovative approaches such as energy cooperatives and community-managed microgrids. Lastly, collaborating with diverse stakeholders focuses on policy-related advocacy and identifying best practices in RE models to propose to the government for incentivizing the growth of renewable energy cooperatives.
The JET initiative embodies core principles and values that drive its mission
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Resilience Building: Prioritizing renewable energy enhances community resilience in Sindh by reducing dependence on fossil fuels and offering reliable power, even in disaster situations
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Inclusivity: Ensuring access to renewable energy for marginalized populations improves their ability to respond and recover from disasters, addressing the disproportionate impact they often face
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Environmental Sustainability: Promoting renewable energy indirectly contributes to environmental sustainability by preserving ecosystems like mangroves, which serve as natural barriers against natural disasters.
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Collaboration: A collaborative approach fosters cooperation between stakeholders, essential for effective early warning systems and disaster response during tsunamis or other emergencies
Furthermore, recognizing the strategic importance of the Just Energy Transition (JET) initiative, CSSP has also integrated renewable energy (RE) into its upcoming Programme Strategic Plan, outlining underneath key priority actions:
Engaging with all relevant stakeholders to establish district and provincial level alliances, prioritizing the promotion of RE for a Just Energy Transition in Sindh.
Facilitating the development/enhancement of an inclusive and supportive legal, policy, and regulatory framework focused on RE, in collaboration with the Sindh Energy and Power Regulatory Authority and other relevant authorities
Mobilizing Independent Power Producers (IPPs), affected communities, and other stakeholders to identify policy and legal gaps, develop a charter of demands, and advocate for necessary changes and reforms in the policy and regulatory landscape, as well as potential benefit sharing mechanisms
Promoting research-backed, inclusive, and benefit-sharing RE models at the community level through collaboration with academia, relevant governmental authorities, and national and international stakeholders, including industry experts in the sector
Engaging with oil and coal-fueled industries and relevant stakeholders to foster discussions and influence the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy, aligning with the objective of achieving a Just Energy Transition in Sindh
Introducing Just Energy Transition Café (JET Café)
Welcome to the Just Energy Transition Café (JET Café), a monthly initiative by the Civil Society Support Program (CSSP) under its Renewable Energy program. JET Café provides a unique platform for speakers and experts to engage in insightful discussions surrounding renewable energy. It is an innovative approach to advocacy, hosting monthly conversations on renewable energy to explore diverse perspectives, challenges, and potential solutions. These discussions are aimed at informing inclusive policymaking and documenting valuable insights for sustainable development.
Monthly Discussions
Each month, JET Café invites individual speakers or groups to delve into specific topics related to renewable energy
Interactive Sessions
Facilitate direct interaction between participants and renewable energy experts, encouraging active engagement through questions and insights shared during the discussions.
Hybrid Format
The sessions are held both in person and online for broader accessibility.
Objectives of JET Café
Knowledge Exchange
Provide a platform for diverse stakeholders in renewable energy to share insights, research findings, and experiences
Advocacy
Promote renewable energy through discussions that highlight its significance, challenges, and solutions, aiming to influence inclusive policy development
Information Gathering
Record diverse viewpoints to enrich understanding and guide future policy deliberations.
Networking
Facilitate networking and collaboration to advance renewable energy
