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The West wants to help developing countries transition to renewables. It’s off to a rocky start.

Summary

The article explores the challenges faced by developing countries, particularly South Africa, in transitioning from coal to clean energy with the support of the Global North. South Africa's Komati coal-fired power plant, a flagship project in the country's clean energy transition, has faced criticism for the abrupt closure that left workers unemployed and local economies devastated. The article discusses the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP), a $8.5 billion deal signed by South Africa with G7 nations to accelerate its energy transition. However, it highlights that two years into the initiative, there are delays, funding issues, and concerns about the equitable distribution of resources. The article also touches on similar challenges faced by Indonesia, Vietnam, and Senegal in their early-stage energy-transition programs, emphasizing the complexities of fostering a just transition.

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