We invite you to join our first PhD-focused Dig Deeper Webinar on Wednesday, 28 August.
In this webinar, Dr Fitsum Weldegiorgis broadly explores energy transition from an economic transformation perspective. The economic aspects of the ‘just transition’ concept are illustrated after highlighting some grounded perspectives on the socio-economic impacts of coal phase-out policies on local communities, businesses, and labour markets in the four regions: Central Highlands Queensland, Southeastern Montana, Eastern Pennsylvania, and Southeastern British Columbia. The research results from each of these regions provide evidence supporting the economic transformation argument for energy transition.
In 2023, Fitsum received CRC TiME HDR top-up funding and conducted extensive field-based research in Australia (Central Highlands Queensland) and the US (Montana and Pennsylvania), and online data collection in Canada (British Columbia). He consulted various stakeholders about the challenges and opportunities of coal mining and economic diversification in the energy transition context. Overall, Fitsum’s experience researching coal-related topics dates to 2012 when he published work in the Journal of Cleaner Production on biomass as an alternative energy source for steel making in Australia.
Please register for the webinar. We look forward to seeing you.