Supply-side policies in coal transitions and country vulnerabilities: a systematic literature review

Abstract

This study integrates a systematic literature review and cluster analysis to scrutinize policies related to coal mining phase-out and just transition. Using a typology based on vulnerability criteria and types of policy instruments, we identify policy interventions and practices that mitigate or exacerbate vulnerabilities in coal-producing countries. Our analysis reveals a notable increase in policy measures identified in the literature since the mid-2010s, with a primary focus on political economy (193 policies), followed by sub-national dependency (125), economic dependency (73), and infrastructure (51). Our review highlights the need for more emphasis on economic diversification policies for upcoming transitions, for which effective policy mixes are required. Implementation challenges observed in historical examples (e.g. policy coordination and coherence) will require effective policy processes. Based on our review, we discuss how the ‘ideal’ process for designing such a policy mix could look for countries pursuing a managed coal transition, and provide policy recommendations.