This panel will explore the simultaneous rise of distributed renewable energy and the managed decline of coal in the Global South, drawing on lessons from countries navigating capacity traps, just transition debates, and financing challenges. Through a moderated discussion with policymakers, practitioners, and financiers, the session will examine pathways to accelerate decentralized solar, wind, and storage solutions through indigenization while retiring coal assets without jeopardizing energy security or economic stability. The objective is to generate actionable insights for scaling renewables, designing innovative finance (e.g., coal-to-clean credit initiatives), and ensuring equitable transition policies. By contrasting “sunrise” opportunities with “sunset” imperatives, the panel situates the Global South at the forefront of energy transition debates, offering lessons for COP30 negotiations and beyond.