Playfully Mastering Complex Structural Change in Coal Regions

In the "Tales of Carbonia" simulation, participants can dive into a world of possibilities and experience the challenges of a Just Energy Transition: They can explore the complex interrelationships of structural change processes by slipping into the role of their respective negotiating partners in a playful way. The goal of the simulation is to transform the energy system in the fictional world of Carbonia from coal to renewables while simultaneously enhancing quality of life. This is not an easy task as Carbonia's economy is heavily based on fossil fuels. While wrong decisions could lead to unemployment or mass migration from the region, the right ones could unlock a brighter future for all. By working together constructively despite their sometimes conflicting interests, stakeholders can make a real impact.

Researchers at the Wuppertal Institute developed the simulation together with the Centre for Systems Solutions in order to promote mutual understanding between the different interest groups and encourage players to look beyond their own horizons. To this end, the game employs changes of perspective: a real-life trade union representative might take on the role of a Carbonian coal company CEO, while a government official could slip into the role of an environmental activist. In their new roles, the participants act and negotiate based on their role descriptions, accessible resources and available capital. The participants thus experience first-hand the conditions and restrictions within which the stakeholders navigate and the effects of their own actions. After the simulation, they reflect on how the fictional world relates to reality – and, above all, how they can achieve better results for society, the environment and the climate in the real world.

The simulation was developed as part of the research project "IKI JET – Innovation Regions for a Just Energy Transition". Building on the Wuppertal Institute's long-standing research in coal regions and a collaborative process with stakeholders and experts on Just Energy Transition in Colombia and Indonesia, specific challenges and barriers in coal regions were identified to be addressed in the simulation. Based on the insights gained, an initial prototype was then designed, which was further developed in various test runs with a focus on fine-tuning game mechanics, content aspects and complexity.

The social simulation can be adapted to country-specific challenges as well as individual constellations of dialogue and participants. This allows participants to directly transfer their experiences from the simulation to real-life negotiation situations in their regions.

The pilot version of the "Tales of Carbonia" simulation was successfully played in Colombia and Indonesia in September and October 2024. In the coming months, it is planned to adapt and implement the simulation for other coal regions in transition – including South Africa, Mongolia, Thailand and Vietnam.