Fair energy transition: a comparative study in the Kyushu (Japan) and Santa Catarina (Brazil) regions

The Fair Energy Transition (FET) is defined as a process of change and momentum towards an economic model of low carbon emissions, which guarantees social equity, environmental sustainability, and the protection of human rights. The main objective of this study was to analyze and compare energy security indicators and identified the main public FET policies in the Kyushu region (Japan) and Santa Catarina (Brazil) focused on coal mining. Data on the internal supply, consumption, and external dependence on primary energy in Japan and Brazil (from 1970 to 2021/2022) were described. Electricity generation (from 2015 to 2022), supply and consumption by sector in Kyushu (2021) and Santa Catarina (2023) were also presented. The Shannon index was used as an indicator to assess fuel diversity. Coal mining activities and the main negative environmental impacts were addressed. The main public FET policies in the two countries and regions were described, analyzed, and compared. The key findings are non-renewable energy sources still occupy a significant position in both countries and regions. The Shannon index demonstrated that fuel diversity is greater in Brazil (Mean = 1.9) compared to Japan (Mean = 1.4), and in Kyushu (Mean = 0.9) compared to Santa Catarina (Mean = 0.8). Coal provides energy security and products for different industrial sectors and generates employment and income. However, it has several negative environmental and social effects. These results imply that the public transition policies aimed at coal mining must include social, economic, and environmental aspects, and involve different factors to be more representative, participatory, and democratic.