The transition to renewable energy is a priority all over the world, opening up job opportunities globally. Nevertheless, to attain a sustainable and socially just transition, there has to be a multidisciplinary and data-based strategy. Prof. Pradip Swarnakar, initiator and coordinator of the Just Transition Research Centre (JTRC) at IIT Kanpur, underlines the necessity for educational institutions to adjust to this changing scenario. During a workshop conducted by the Earth Journalism Network and JTRC, he discussed the importance of a just transition in India and the contribution of young professionals toward a green future. Here are edited excerpts from the interview:
The Vision Behind JTRC
Established in 2021 within the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, JTRC operates across three key domains: academic and policy research, capacity building, and impact assessment for policies and projects. The Centre began by concentrating on coal and thermal power plants via the Climate and Energy Policy Research Lab (CEPRL) but has now widened its research scope to include electric vehicles, agriculture, and renewable energy. The multidisciplinary team consists of Ph.D. and post-doctoral researchers, scientists, and research associates with varying backgrounds.
The Need for a Multidisciplinary Approach in Renewable Energy
Most people think that the renewable energy industry needs mostly high technical-level specialists. Technical skill is important, but Prof. Swarnakar contends that to effectively make a sustainable shift, professionals with a multidisciplinary approach are needed.
"Along with their technical skills, those involved in this profession must possess a basic knowledge of science as well as humanities to get renewable technologies socially embedded and accepted by everyone," he maintains.
Environmental scientists, economists, and policymakers are needed to solve the environmental, social, and economic issues that can slow down the development of renewable energy. JTRC promotes interdisciplinarity by involving students from philosophy, sociology, political science, psychology, and literature in climate and energy research.
Defining Just Transition for India
The idea of a just transition was developed in the West and varies substantially in the Indian context because of differences in economic development, sources of energy, and fossil fuel dependence. While in other countries, oil and gas have played crucial roles, coal has been India's main source of energy and has fueled its economic growth.
As a coal-reliant nation, the initial step is to determine the effect of a phase-down of coal on the huge workforce and communities that depend on this industry," Prof. Swarnakar elucidates.
India has to redefine the just transition based on filling gaps in key data and knowledge necessary to create a framework specific to its challenges. Diversifying coal-dependent economies should be targeted, with special attention to ensure self-sufficiency for the communities impacted. JTRC's role is to be central in this change through advising policymakers, enabling stakeholder engagement, and creating implementable strategies.
Enabling Youth Participation in the Green Economy
The renewable energy industry holds the promise to create large jobs shortly, hence a desirable field for young adults. Prof. Swarnakar emphasizes three key reasons that India requires youth participation in this shift:
The renewable energy industry has immense employment opportunities. There is a big youth population with urgent employment problems in India. Studies have identified a large skill-aspiration-mismatched unemployment gap, especially in coal-intensive areas.
By investing in skill development programs, India can fill these gaps and incorporate youth into the green energy sector. "A green energy transition can be a powerful solution to youth unemployment, with high-quality jobs and sustainable career opportunities," asserts Prof. Swarnakar.
With strategic interventions, young professionals can drive and gain from the changing energy landscape, promoting a fair and equitable transition for generations to come.