The prospects of a just transition in the coal communities of Volyn region

The prospects of a just transition in the coal communities of Volyn region: environmental measures, new job opportunities, effective use of former mine buildings.

In Novovolynsk, a series of meetings, discussions, and visits were held within the framework of the GIZ project "Just Transition of Coal Regions and Green Recovery of Ukraine's Energy Sector." The events were attended by, among others, the project director Miriam Faulwetter and the executive director of the Association of Coal Communities of Ukraine Andriy Tabinskyy.

As part of one of the events, productive discussions were held regarding the collaboration between the GIZ project and the Ministry of Energy of Ukraine on implementing the government’s plan for the closure of Mine No. 9. The talks specifically addressed the potential involvement of the project in executing environmental measures.

One of the key issues is the transfer of the surface buildings of the mine to the ownership of the Lytovezh territorial community, where the mine's facilities are actually located.

This is a great idea and an example of how a just transition can potentially help mitigate the negative impacts of mine closures. The community has a clear vision for the future use of the facilities, having already developed several investment proposals for the effective utilization of the surface buildings of Mine No. 9.

"At present, with expert support from the GIZ project, the Ministry of Energy of Ukraine, the local community, and the Committee of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine on Energy and Housing and Communal Services are working on developing the appropriate legal framework to transfer ownership of the surface buildings of the former Mine No. 9 to the Lytovezh territorial community," stated Andriy Tabinskyy.