Vietnam is committed to achieving net zero emissions by 2050 and has joined the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) to promote renewable energy (RE) while ensuring equity for vulnerable groups. The transition from coal is particularly impactful in Quang Ninh, where 100,000 existing coal miners will potentially face economic and social challenges. The province’s 2021-2030 plan includes strategies to shift these workers to new livelihoods, preferably in RE sectors.
Meanwhile, Vietnam’s wood pellet industry is rapidly growing, with exports nearly doubling to $790 million in 2023, driven by demand from the EU, Japan, and Korea. Acacia, a key input for wood pellets, is widely available in Vietnam, with Quang Ninh contributing significantly. The expansion of this sector presents employment opportunities along the acacia plantation-wood pellet manufacturing and distribution (AP-WPMD) value chain.
Given this potential, this research study explores the feasibility, sustainability, and inclusivity of transitioning coal miners into the AP-WPMD sector as an alternative RE livelihood in Vietnam.
Main tasks
- Conduct a comprehensive literature review on the coal mining industry, labor transition, and the AP-WPMD value chain.
- Coordinate with external stakeholders, including local authorities, interviewees, and enumerators, to ensure smooth logistics.
- Develop qualitative and quantitative research tools for primary data collection.
- Conduct in-depth and expert interviews with stakeholders in the coal mining sector and the AP-WPMD value chain, along with focus group discussions with GEDSI coal miner groups.
- Administer a survey with 1,000 mine workers in Quang Ninh Province.
- Analyze qualitative and quantitative data to produce two policy briefs, one synthesis report, and working papers.
- Host a stakeholder consultation workshop and a national-level research dissemination conference.
- Conduct a capacity-building workshop on integrating GEDSI into energy transition research.
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