Petrila, Romania — For nearly two decades, Sebastian Tirintic? toiled in the coal mines, a job that has been a family tradition for generations. Today at 38 years old, he finds himself in a vastly different environment, surrounded by solar panels and wind turbines. He now travels throughout Romania, training former coal miners and others in the burgeoning field of renewable energy.
This significant career change is particularly noteworthy in a country where coal mining has long been a cornerstone of the economy, particularly in regions that were reliant on this industry from the days of communism. “It’s difficult to detach yourself from something that has defined your life for so long,” Tirintic? expressed, his short, grey-streaked beard reflecting his wisdom. “Starting over can be daunting, and not everyone possesses the fortitude to take that step.”
Romania is keen to discover more workers willing to transition away from coal, but such individuals remain elusive. As the nation braces to eliminate all coal-based activities by 2032, former miners are grappling with the shrinking coal industry and the challenge of adapting to new opportunities. Tradition, uncertainty, and fear often hinder miners from upskilling, demonstrating a common hurdle in the transition to greener energy alternatives: changing perspectives.
Experts agree that for coal workers to embrace this transition, they need reassurances and incentives that are currently lacking. Furthermore, the absence of a cohesive strategy, coupled with political ambiguity and mistrust, stands as a formidable barrier to transforming these coal-dependent regions.
Initially, Tirintic? was hesitant to join the renewable energy sector. In 2019, he had the chance to join a group of ten miners for free training and employment as wind turbine installers in Germany but opted to stay close to home, prioritizing his family over the potential opportunity. Eventually, he made the leap to leave the coal sector in 2022, following a month of reskilling courses the previous year. These courses equipped him with skills to install solar panels on diverse surfaces and maintain wind turbines, alongside learning necessary safety protocols. He later enrolled in specialized courses to educate others in acquiring similar skills.
Romania, home to approximately 19 million inhabitants, boasts a rich cultural heritage, especially in Transylvania, as well as a thriving IT sector and a solid base in manufacturing and agriculture. Nonetheless, rural unemployment remains high, compounded by corruption and bureaucratic red tape. In recent years, millions have sought better prospects abroad.
The transformation towards a sustainable economy is reshaping the energy landscape, further complicating coal miners’ willingness to adapt amidst fears of an uncertain future. This year, employees at CE Oltenia, one of the largest energy firms focused on coal in Gorj County, were offered an 18-day course to earn certification as solar photovoltaic panel installers. This summer, about 100 participants completed the training provided through the RenewAcad initiative, while this number represents a mere fraction—about 1.3%—of the company’s total workforce of approximately 8,000.
In 2021, the RenewAcad project aimed to retrain a group of 800 coal workers, yet had to widen its search to attract applicants nationwide due to insufficient interest from miners. “Thinking about what others might say—‘Grandpa and great-grandpa worked in the mine’—makes it hard for coal miners to leave the industry,” noted Sebastian Enache, the project’s business development manager, pointing to the societal pressures they face.
Locally, coal miners earn between 800 and 1,000 euros monthly, while those in power plants with more qualifications can earn more. Comparatively, entry-level solar panel installers earn similar wages but may need to travel, making the job transition less appealing. Those attending solar panel training often had to juggle the courses with their existing work schedules, making participation challenging.
Locals express concern over the local economy post-coal, recalling the severe poverty experienced in surrounding areas as numerous mines closed following the fall of Communism in the 1990s. “Our region lacks a direct connection to major European transportation routes; who would come to invest here and create jobs?” questioned Constantin Buzarin, a local non-profit leader.
While the renewable energy sector has potential to create many jobs, experts predict these will be dispersed across the country and may require various skill sets. The issues facing Gorj County are emblematic of broader struggles experienced in various regions across Europe and the United States as they strive for decarbonization and coal transition.
Romania is set to benefit from the EU’s Just Transition Fund, which has allocated 2.14 billion euros to aid regions historically reliant on fossil fuel production. Gorj County is due to receive the largest allocation, with 550 million euros earmarked for programs promoting economic and skill development through 2027.
Despite the impending decline of Romania’s coal industry, the topic remains sensitive, especially with the parliamentary elections approaching on December 1, as the mining demographic constitutes a significant voting bloc. “There is currently no political framework to illuminate the path ahead for these individuals,” voiced Eliza Barnea from a climate advocacy group.
Nonetheless, Alin ?ipanu, a local council member handling the energy transition, acknowledges positive signs. At a recent reskilling initiative launch, workers displayed enthusiasm about learning. “Just a few years back, discussions about energy transition were practically forbidden,” he recalled. “It felt like you’d have to dodge tomatoes.”
