The Transition is a solution for fossil fuel dependent regions

Eng. Juric, in some European countries, the energy transition is in full swing, while in others – like Bulgaria – it seems to be just beginning. What is the situation in your region?

The Sisak-Moslavina County is a priority region in the process of transition to a climate-neutral economy, given the polluting industries that are responsible for a significant share of greenhouse gas emissions. According to the level of development, SMŽ is almost the poorest area, which was further impoverished by the earthquakes in 2020, leaving great social and economic consequences. There are a total of five critically important economic entities in SMC (Petrokemija d.d., ABS Sisak d.o.o., HEP d.o.o. – TE Sisak, Gavrilović d.o.o. and INA d.d. – refinery Sisak) which account for 25% of total national verified emissions in 2019, which is the largest share in the country and indicates a large impact on the environment. There are more than 2,000 employees in the mentioned entities, and most of them live in the place of the economic entity, which indicates the great dependence of the mentioned entities on the local workforce. In addition to the mentioned problem of polluting industries, Sisak-Moslavina County has a problem of unemployment and emigration of young people. Although, SMC has a tradition of industry - energy, petroleum, petrochemical and chemical industry, metallurgy and metal processing industry, food industry and agriculture and forestry, a decade ago it started its transition to clean, climate resistant, digital and innovative technologies and jobs. Those sectors are gaming, drone programming, AI, blockchain, robotics etc. We can say that transition in Sisak Moslavina County is in its full progress and a need to introduce businesses focused on digital and green technologies, retraining of the population, the acquisition of skills in accordance is ongoing and necessary.

The differences in the speed of transition are partly related to the different perceptions of those affected by it. In your opinion, is the transition a problem or a solution for regions dependant on fossil fuels?

Transition is a solution, in all its forms. It can bring regions growth, an integrated and collaborative approach, it embraces innovation, and skills development. Of course, it is important to identify challenges regions face in transitioning their industry to be low carbon. Also, it is important to include all levels of stakeholders in to transition process.

What would you say to those affected by the transformation to convince them in a few words that the transition is a good thing?

To achieve the Paris Agreement goals, demonstrate commitment to bold and ambitious emissions reductions and show readiness to collaborate and partner. Yes, transition brings challenges but ultimately, if implementing it smart, transition can bring growth, equality, innovative approaches and diversification.

What does the speed and success of this transition depend on?

Upon proper understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the region/city/entity in transition, upon choosing high quality stakeholders to deal with transition issues, upon focusing on improving processes. Governments need to initiate policies and regulations to encourage industries to adopt smarter, safer, and more sustainable practices, serving as a catalyst for transformation.

In your opinion, what does a "just" transition mean, and do you support the statement that "if even one person is left without a job, the transition is already unjust"?

Research shows that transition policies predominantly benefit already privileged citizens and often tend to reproduce social inequalities. Implementing decarbonization transition strategies we are strongly taking into consideration various dimensions of inequality, such as gender, race, age and class. Through those strategies different solutions are created with a purpose to minimize the transition consequences such as job-creation opportunities, trainings, re-skilling and up-skilling activities. In order to implement such activities, it is needed to invest a lot of efforts, time and energy to inform and involve persons who are left without a job. Personally, “if even one person is left without a job”, I don’t agree that transition is already unjust.

What is your vision for energy without fossil fuels?

Independent societies and economies, using natural resources (wind, solar, biomass, geothermal etc.) in sustainable manner, decreasing pollution. But it is still unknown how the transport sector and electricity production should adjust and develop in future in order to meet all needs and market demands.

On September 25th, the event "Just Transition Opportunities Across Borders" will take place in Sofia, where you will be a speaker; what can attendees expect?

The event will show good practices, it will share knowledge and experience through out EU on the just transition as well as projects/initiatives implemented or planned on the topic of transition. I expect that attendees will have an opportunity to hear a lot of interesting speakers from different levels of stakeholders, which are able to talk about transition and its consequences.

Co-financed by the European Union. However, the views and opinions expressed are solely those of the author( s ) and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the Governing Body. Neither the European Union nor the Managing Authority can be held responsible for them.