Clean Energy Technologies in Western Macedonia: Opportunities for Jobs and Growth within the Coal Phase-Out Era

Abstract

This study presents an overview of the role that clean energy technologies can play in the decarbonisation path of Greece’s most carbon-intensive region, namely Western Macedonia. The region has been requested to adjust its production model to the new requirements of the Green Deal Initiative, while simultaneously proceeding to restructure its productive model towards a full phase-out of coal activities. The survey presented below will summarise the main findings and estimates of the clean energy potential from a technical and research point of view, and furthermore present assessments on the potential impact this could have on job creation and regional economic development in terms of potential investments. This study’s goals are to identify and promote actions to accelerate innovation performance in the clean energy domain and, simultaneously, serve as a co-working space among key stakeholders from business, government, civil society and innovation who share a vision for a sustainable future. Finally, this study highlights the importance of accelerating innovation in the clean energy domain—spanning energy production, distribution and consumption.

Keywords

• coal phase-out
• clean energy
• technical and research potential
• innovation