CEU Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020
| Author | Bucată, Elena Roxana |
|---|---|
| Title | Coal or Nothing. Environmental and Social Challenges of Energy Transition in the Mining Region of Jiu Valley, Romania |
| Summary | Energy transition from fossil fuels to renewable sources has become a necessity to solve the current climate crisis the world is facing. But this transition also creates a series of social and environmental problems for communities dependent on fossil fuels production. The research focuses on how this transition can be done in a just manner in coal regions, where local people are witnessing the end of an industry that ensured their livelihoods and cultural identity for generations. Using the energy justice framework, this research consists in an analysis of the case of Jiu Valley, an emblematic coal region in south-western Romania. In here, the coal industry is on the verge of a complete shutdown, while the locals are being left behind without employment alternatives. A professional reconversion program launched in 2019 brings new hope in the region. The program is part of Romania’s energy transition efforts and its aim is to train 5.000 miners to become wind power technicians. Based on qualitative research, the dissertation’s argument is that while the program has a high potential in the area by addressing the pressing issue of unemployment in Jiu Valley, so far, the program fails to positively impact the community. Two of the main reasons identified for this failure are, on the one hand, national political instability and lack of funds, and, on the other hand, a lack of recognition and procedural justice during the process of selecting, interviewing, training and employing the candidates from Jiu Valley. Out of tens of miners and formers miners who applied for the program, only one person was selected, trained and employed in the wind power industry. Further research needs to be done to assess the impact of utilizing European funds for the professional reconversion program. |
| Supervisor | LaBelle, Michael |
| Department | Environment Sciences and Policy MSc |
| Full text | https://www.etd.ceu.edu/2020/bucata_elena-roxana.pdf |
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