Aligning Geological Storage, Industrial Decarbonisation, and Regional Planning for Post-Coal Sustainability: A Systems Perspective from Western Macedonia, Greece

Coal-dependent regions face a multidimensional transition challenge that extends beyond energy substitution and requires coordinated transformation of industrial systems, landscapes, infrastructure, governance and local economies. Using a structured narrative review and framework-building approach, this paper develops a systems-based framework for sustainable post-lignite transition, using Western Macedonia as the main integrated case and Megalopolis as a comparative Greek lignite region. The proposed approach integrates four interrelated domains: subsurface and geological potential, industrial decarbonisation pathways, post-mining land and infrastructure reuse, and socio-economic and governance transition. Particular emphasis is placed on the role of carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS), low-carbon industrial technologies, renewable energy integration, energy-storage options, land rehabilitation, heritage valorisation and place-based development strategies. The analysis highlights that successful post-coal transition depends not only on the availability of individual technological solutions, but also on their spatial, environmental, economic and governance compatibility within the regional system. By aligning geological knowledge, engineering innovation, environmental management and just-transition planning, the paper proposes an integrated planning framework intended to structure the consideration of multiple forms of evidence in former lignite regions. The framework is broadly consistent with the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those related to clean energy, resilient infrastructure, sustainable communities, responsible land reuse, climate action and ecosystem restoration, and offers transferable insights for European coal regions seeking resilient, diversified and low-carbon development pathways.