The central role of energy in the scope of circular economy and sustainable approaches in energy generation and storage

Abstract

A circular economy world action plan has been assumed to support sustainability and circular product design in the most intensive sectors such as construction, textiles, plastics, and electronics. A transition to a more circular economy is essential to improve the future quality of life. This chapter discusses how the circular economy offers an excellent opportunity to reinvent the economical paradigms, making them more sustainable and competitive. In this scope, energy companies must systematically pursue their transition to affordable, reliable, and more sustainable energy and set ambitious targets in terms of reducing CO 2 emissions. In the following, different energy generation and storage systems are presented and their perspectives and contributions to a sustainable future are discussed. The increasing use of renewable energy generation and energy storage systems brings new perspectives and represents an essential contribution to a sustainable approach. Further, new affordable recycling technologies for raw materials recovery, new ecodesigns, and reutilization by second use are some of the necessary procedures to be considered for an environmentally friendlier and sustainable future.