Policy Framework for Sustainable Energy Transition and the Circular Economy

Abstract

This chapter delves into the interconnection of sustainable energy transition and the circular economy within the realm of policymaking. With growing environmental concerns, there is an urgent call for a consolidated policy framework that weaves these two concepts into a unified blueprint for a green future. Initially, the chapter concisely elucidates the sustainable energy transition, emphasizing the shift from nonrenewable to renewable resources and the circular economy, which advocates for resource optimization through reuse, recycling, and regeneration. At the core of the discussion are the essential elements of a viable policy framework, ranging from vision-setting and incentive structures to legislation and public education. Moreover, the chapter identifies potential economic, technological, and sociocultural challenges in the path of policy implementation. Through case studies, such as Denmark’s leadership in wind energy and Japan’s pioneering efforts in the circular economy, readers gain insights into the real-world applications of these policies. The overarching theme posits that for a truly sustainable future, a harmonious integration of energy transition and circular economy principles is paramount in policy frameworks.