Global perspectives on just transitions: INETTT Annual Meeting 2024

From 9–13 September 2024, the International Network of Energy Transition Think Tanks held its Annual Meeting in Poland. Hosted in Warsaw by one of INETTT’s founding members, Forum Energii, the meeting focused on the realities of supporting just transitions in INETTT member countries. A key highlight was an international conference on 12 September, which explored the multi-faceted nature of just transitions, featuring participation from government representatives from Poland and other countries. The week also included a study tour to Europe’s largest lignite power plant undergoing transformation, offering participants direct insight into change in progress. 

Focus on a just transition 

The Warsaw meeting marked INETTT’s third Annual Meeting, following previous gatherings in Johannesburg (2023) and Sharm El-Sheikh during COP27 (2022). The 2024 theme on just transitions brought together members to exchange ideas and strategies for managing energy transitions in ways that are socially and economically inclusive. Discussions addressed a range of transition drivers and barriers, from power system transformation, coal phase-out, and industrial decarbonisation to energy access, affordability and financing. Sessions also explored how national and regional strategies can be tailored to specific socio-economic contexts. 

Poland’s role and future prospects 

The meeting provided an opportunity for INETTT members to explore Poland’s evolving energy landscape and consider parallels with challenges in their own countries. A site visit to Europe’s largest coal-fired power plant offered a case study in the complexity of transitioning large-scale fossil fuel infrastructure. 

Poland’s role as host was particularly significant in light of its accelerating deployment of renewable energy and planned coal phase-out. The timing was also important ahead of the country’s EU Council Presidency in early 2025, during which Poland will help shape the EU’s 2040 climate target and submit a revised Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) under the Paris Agreement ahead of COP30 in Brazil. 

Momentum for global exchange 

The 2024 Annual Meeting also marked two major milestones for the network. First, the inaugural meeting of the INETTT Executive Board took place, formalising a new governance body designed to guide the strategic evolution of the network. 

Second, the international conference titled “Many pathways, one goal: How to achieve the just transition globally and locally” convened think tanks and government representatives from four continents. The event facilitated dialogue on the varied challenges and opportunities countries face in pursuing just transitions, and it helped identify pathways for international cooperation. Through a series of high-level and technical sessions, the conference contributed knowledge and momentum to both European and global climate agendas.