“Shift in Focus: No More Just Energy Transition Partnerships as Countries Embrace New Platforms”
UK and German officials have announced that there will likely be no more Just Energy Transition Partnerships (JETPs) in the future, as the focus shifts towards “country platforms” instead. This decision comes three years after the first JETP deal was signed with South Africa, with top officials expressing reluctance to pursue additional partnerships under the JETP initiative.
The JETPs, which involve a combination of government and private investment, have been launched for countries like South Africa, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Senegal, with support from various European countries, the European Union, the United States, and Canada.
During a briefing at the COP29 climate talks in Baku, Jochen Flasbarth, the state secretary in Germany’s Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, stated that the current priority is to make the existing JETPs work, rather than entering into new partnerships. He mentioned that wealthy donor nations and multilateral development banks are working on a “country-led platform” approach for additional countries, incorporating lessons learned from the JETPs.
UK Special Representative on Climate Rachel Kyte highlighted the importance of establishing “country ownership” and providing support based on a country’s progress in its transition. She emphasized the need for ambitious plans managed by the developing country with support from international partners.
The evolution of JETPs is now shifting towards country platforms, where recipient governments present tailored programs with financing needs and projects aligned with their priorities. For example, Lesotho recently announced a country platform to support its clean energy ambitions, with a focus on renewable energy generation for domestic use and export.
While the JETPs have faced challenges and slow progress, officials acknowledge the need to learn from these experiences. Lessons include the importance of addressing sensitivities around stakeholders, ensuring country ownership, and providing support based on each country’s unique needs.
Moving forward, the focus will be on developing new country platforms that take a more bottom-up approach, meeting countries where they are in their transition and providing support accordingly. The goal is to deliver on the promises made through the JETPs and continue working towards a just energy transition globally.
Overall, while the JETPs have faced criticism and challenges, they have also been recognized as a success story in terms of driving renewable energy transition in developing countries. The experience gained from these partnerships will be valuable in shaping future initiatives and collaborations in the clean energy sector.