This policy brief proposes recommendations to enhance Just Energy Transition Partnerships (JETPs) as a mechanism to accelerate the phase-out of fossil fuels, particularly in the oil and gas sector. Considering the global imperative to address climate change, environmental degradation and biodiversity loss, JETPs have emerged as collaborative frameworks designed to support developing economies in their transition to clean energy whilst addressing social, economic and ecological implications. However, despite their initial success, critical challenges remain, limiting their effectiveness and scalability.

One major challenge pertains to their capacity to adapt to the specific transition needs and development priorities of each country. Because the first JETPs were designed to foster coal phase-out, there is growing recognition within the G20 that new partnerships must be expanded and adapted to encompass the energy sector as a whole, specifically addressing the realities of oil and gas-dependent economies.

This policy brief proposes a methodology to support decision-making within the G20 concerning efforts to establish JETPs that are effective in advancing oil and gas (O&G) phase-outs. In the first section, it presents a framework to prioritise G20 support for countries that rely heavily on O&G revenues and have no fiscal space to invest in transition strategies, whilst at the same time presenting governance levels that allow for the realistic implementation of JETPs. In the second section, it offers key recommendations to enhance JETPs as a tool for comprehensive fossil fuel phase-out.

Part of the recommendations focus on how JETPs should expand to encompass O&G sector transitions, with strategies for stranded assets, workforce reskilling, and emissions reductions. Others centre on key lessons learned from current JETPs, especially concerning transparent governance, alignment with national transition plans, and robust monitoring frameworks.

By optimising JETPs through improved design and governance, the G20 can support global efforts to accelerate just energy transitions, particularly in the O&G sector.