@misc{AbdulghaniWinkler, author = {Abdulghani, Tamer and Winkler, Herwig}, title = {Managing the decarbonization of coal-based energy value chain: empirical findings from Lusatia, Germany}, series = {IEEE Student Conference on Research and Development}, journal = {IEEE Student Conference on Research and Development}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.1109/SCOReD60679.2023.10563936}, pages = {307 -- 315}, abstract = {Decarbonization is causing structural changes that exert pressure not only on the companies and their employees in the lignite industry, but also on other companies along the value chain across multiple sectors. As a result, companies have an urgent need for change. They are challenged to take action to build a sustainable new existence as the markets collapse. For this purpose, we investigate the structural changes due to decarbonization and what factors can be part of a successful business transformation to manage the decarbonization of the coal-based energy value chain. This paper presents empirical insights from several semi-structured interviews with the key actors i.e., energy companies, service providers, logistics companies, suppliers, etc. in the Lusatia mining region as well as a conceptual model for a successful business transformation in the region. We used the Gioia method to analyze the interview data in order to obtain a meaningful data structure. This resulted in a conceptual model that shows how success factors have to be combined to manage the decarbonization measures within a region.}, language = {en} } @misc{AbdulghaniWinkler, author = {Abdulghani, Tamer and Winkler, Herwig}, title = {A SWOT analysis approach for assessing the sustainable transition in the coal energy sector in Germany}, series = {Procedia computer science}, volume = {263}, journal = {Procedia computer science}, publisher = {Elsevier BV}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {1877-0509}, doi = {10.1016/j.procs.2025.07.010}, pages = {76 -- 81}, abstract = {The coal energy sector plays a significant role within the German economy, providing a key source of growth and energy supply. However, it is also a major contributor to climate change. In order to address this issue, Germany has adopted a policy to phase-out coal by 2038 at the latest. This paper employs a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) analysis approach to evaluate the sustainable transition of Germany's coal energy sector. A case study using semi-structured interviews with key actors was conducted in the second largest mining region in Germany, the Lusatia region. The analysis shows that the strengths of the area include its energy expertise, existing infrastructure with renewable energy potential, and availability of land for industrial development and settlement. However, dependence on lignite, internal resistance to change, lack of competence in digital technologies, and complex bureaucracy for implementing new projects represent some of the key weaknesses that companies must address in order to succeed. Some opportunities arise from the structural changes currently occurring, highlighting the potential of a growing renewable energy market and the development of innovative business models, as well as the creation of new employment opportunities and the enhancement of the region's attractiveness for global corporations. Nevertheless, a number of factors present a threat to the sustainable transition, including concerns about energy security, high green fuel costs, social resistance, a shortage of skilled labor, labor migration, and the loss of cooperation partners.}, language = {en} }