A Just Transition: Loos-en-Gohelle, a small town in northern France
How an Impoverished French Town Made an Energy Transition
Loos-en-Gohelle, a small town in northern France that was entirely dependent on coal mining for its economy for over 100 years, has become one of the first in Europe to undergo a just transition, transforming into a hub for hundreds of environmentally friendly companies, many of which operate in the renewable energy sector.
This transformation was triggered by the closure of the mines in the 1980s, which led to mass unemployment and devastated the region. The local community had to rediscover its ability to take initiative and implement significant change.
From the outset, local authorities worked hand-in-hand with citizens on the green transition and project implementation. A new multifunctional department for social and civic development was established in the Town Hall. The effective functioning of this department actively encouraged public engagement and participation, becoming the cornerstone of the town’s reconstruction efforts. Over the years, hundreds of public meetings and local forums were held, and since 2010, an online platform has been active.
A variety of initiatives led by both authorities and residents have focused on renewable energy production, energy efficiency, improvements in recycling technology, environmental restoration, tourism, and more.
One emblematic example of the town’s creative and effective approach is the modernized roof of the local church. The municipality installed a photovoltaic system on the church roof, generating an annual income of €5,000.
Today, the town is home to over 600 environmentally friendly companies, 150 of which operate in the renewable energy sector. The town is planning to establish an eco-district on the site of a former mining wasteland.
Old industrial buildings have been converted into a Center for Culture and Sustainable Development, and the mines have even been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site as a “living and evolving landscape.”
Loos-en-Gohelle is a striking example of how even a struggling town can implement the principles of sustainable development by embracing the principles of just transition. Innovative management approaches, bold and creative solutions, and close, continuous cooperation between authorities, the community, businesses, and researchers have been the foundation of these positive changes.