A new initiative is to provide evidence-based, labour-focused research to support South Africa’s just energy transition.

Non-profit independent economic research entity Trade & Industrial Policy Strategies (Tips) is launching the Just Transition Labour Centre to determine the technical skills requirements of the just energy transition, reports Engineering News.

The centre is being funded by the Climate Works Foundation, the African Climate Foundation and Agence Française de Développement, and it is being supported by a range of labour organisations, including the Congress of South African Trade Unions, the Federation Unions of South Africa, the National Council of Trade Unions and the South African Federation of Trade Unions.

‘The creation of the centre reflects the labour movement’s recognition that the climate crisis entails substantial economic and plant-level restructuring – which will inevitably impose significant burdens on working people,’ says the centre’s manager, Matthew Grant. He adds that because the government and labour have a different idea of the meaning of ‘just’, the centre will ensure the voices of workers will be heard.

Two dedicated Tips researchers will work with the labour organisations to determine the reskilling needed for the just transition. In addition, Tips has appointed a service provider to research the coal value chain and determine the needs of the communities that will be affected by the transition away from fossil fuels to renewable energy.

20 May 2025
Image: Freepik