Tavşanlı’s Just Transition: A Roadmap for Moving Beyond Coal

10/06/2025

Coal-dependent regions around the world are undergoing significant changes as the coal phase-down accelerates. Economic decline in the coal sector, privatisation, environmental degradation and stricter regulations are reshaping local economies. Türkiye is no exception.

A just, inclusive and locally grounded transition is essential to align Türkiye’s coal phase-out with its 2053 net zero target. Placing affected workers and communities at the centre of this process is key to achieving sustainable and equitable regional development.

Tavşanlı, a district in Kütahya province with a long-standing role in coal mining and coal-based electricity generation, now stands at a critical juncture. As coal-related employment continues to decline, planning for a just transition that protects workers, promotes green jobs, and supports regional development has become a matter of urgency, both for the Tavşanlı community and for the climate movement as a whole.

Following initial research by The Confederation of Progressive Trade Unions of Turkey (DİSK)- affiliated Progressive Mineral Research and Treatment Workers Trade Union of Turkey (Dev. Maden-Sen) which identified Tavşanlı as a region open to just transition dialogue, CAN Europe conducted an in-depth field study in Tavşanlı. The resulting report, “Attitudes Towards Coal Power Plants and Coal Mining in Tavşanlı and a Roadmap for Just Transition”, presents the perspectives from the region. These include coal miners and power plant workers and their spouses, local authorities, representatives of political parties, chambers and trade unions, academics,opinion leaders and investors.

The report highlights both the risks of an unplanned coal exit and the opportunities for building a fairer, more sustainable future. It provides relevant and critical insights for policymakers, trade unions, and civil society organisations on how to advance a just transition that leaves no one behind.

Read the executive summary in English

Read the full report in Turkish

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