In an effort toward reducing greenhouse gas emissions, many countries are retiring generation fuelled by fossil fuels and scaling up clean energy.  This reduction is mostly realized through decommissioning existing plants, oftentimes well before their planned retirement, and in part because clean energy can provide lower-cost power relative to fossil fuels. An equitable clean energy economy requires retraining and upskilling to prepare workers for high-quality jobs and to avoid unexpected and unplanned hardships on the workforce throughout the entire energy supply chain.

To prepare for this impact on workers and economies, the energy industry must build opportunities for high-quality jobs for displaced workers and prepare them with new skill sets.  Social interventions are needed to secure workers’ rights and livelihoods and should incorporate systems change, which is also highlighted under USAID’s Climate Strategy. Utilities globally must work towards a systematic approach that encompasses representation from governments, financial institutions, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector to identify collective strategies and policies to assist those communities that will be most affected by these transitions.

The Advancing Modern Power through Utility Partnerships (AmpUp) Program will hold a panel discussion focusing on socio-economic implications and new workforce development opportunities for USAID-assisted countries as they transition away from fossil fuels.  The webinar will include presentations and case studies by subject-matter experts to identify inclusive, collaborative, and participatory best practices that focus on equity and inclusivity.