Fafo-seminar

Challenges and opportunities for a green and just energy transition

Tuesday 2. September 2025

kl. 13:30–16:00

Fafo, Borggata 2B, Oslo

How can we make sure that fossil fuel workers are not left behind in a green transition? This seminar brings lessons from Australia, Spain, and Scotland, and explores new opportunities for Norway’s workforce.

Decarbonising economies brings challenges for fossil industries and workers. Many communities worry about deindustrialisation, while searching for new industrial opportunities related to green energy. Both the experiences so far and the potential for a successful green transition vary greatly by region.

This seminar starts with presentations on trade unions engaging with just transition in Australian coal regions, migrant worker vulnerabilities in Spain, and Scotland's Just Transition Commission.

The second session features insights from researcher on Norway's transition efforts, followed by discussions with business and trade union representatives about industry and workforce prospects.

Program Schedule

Welcome by

Kaja Reegård, research director, Fafo
Camilla Houeland, research professor, Fafo

International experiences: Green and just transition

«Problematising (Just) Transition in Scotland», Prof. Andrew Cumbers and Dr. Franziska Paul, University of Glasgow. Presentation (pdf)
«Migrant workers and the Just Energy Transition in Spain», Dr. Rocio Hiraldo, Marie Curie postdoctoral fellow, University of Oslo. Presentation (pdf)
«Driving Just Transition in an Australian coal region», Prof. Bradon Ellem, University of Sydney. Presentation (pdf)
Q & A

Break

Norway offshore industries moving into renewables: Challenges and opportunities for a just, green transition

«Norwegian oil workers’ interests in transition», Camilla Houeland, research professor, Fafo. Presentation (pdf)

Panel:
- Harald Solberg, CEO, The Federation of Norwegian Industries
- Sindre Kvil, special adviser, Styrke (union)
- Ståle K. Johansen, Group Union Convener, Aker ASA (The United Federation of Trade Unions)
- Camilla Houeland, Fafo
  
  Facilitator: David Jordhus-Lier, Prof., University of Oslo

Closing Remarks by Camilla Houeland, Fafo and David Jordhus-Lier, University of Oslo