CIREC – Secure and Circular Material Flows for Electricity Security of Supply

Background of the project

The post – COVID recovery sparked world-wide price spikes for gas and electricity, especially in Europe. The corresponding stress on supply chains presented a short-term increase in the cost for green technologies such as PV panel modules and electro motors. These worldwide supply chain constraints are not free of geopolitical risks. Natural gas supply, which is necessary as transition fuel, is strongly dependent on import from Russia.

On the longer term, there is a lot of concern on the stress of supply chains in general, leading to a limit on the rollout of the necessary renewable technologies such as solar and wind energy, transmission & distribution grids and batteries.

Circular solutions for the energy transition

A circular economy, which can recycle or re-use the precious materials for second life applications, is essential to limit the overall volume of primary materials needed and limit environmental constraints.

To realize this transition, we will need to set up new collection systems and recycling facilities. Although reaching high levels of recovery for some materials, recycling technologies can only seldom reach full recovery of all materials entered. That is why the circular economy principles prefer prolonged and more intensive use of products.

This project therefor puts forward an innovative approach to incorporate circular material and supply chain analysis with long term energy system planning models, which is a clear gap in the current state-of-the-art.

The role of EnergyVille/VITO within the project?

The transition to a circular economy is essential for achieving net-zero carbon goals. The VITO/EnergyVille team is involved in both LCA and long-term energy system modeling.

By analyzing both present and future greenhouse gas (GHG) impacts, the boundaries of traditional life cycle assessments are expanded to evaluate the true net impact of circular practices over business as usual. From energy-intensive recycling processes like the rare earth materials used in wind turbines and batteries, evolving dynamics of plastics and biomass reuse, the analysis captures the complexities of material flows and energy interdependencies. This forward-looking approach accounts for rapidly evolving technologies, ensuring robust insights into future emissions scenarios.

Integrating these findings into the holistic TIMES energy system model will enhance existing insights of net-zero pathways that also address material and energy security. This effort is further amplified by incorporating circular flows, like biomass and recycled materials, into energy planning while assessing their impact on energy demand and industrial processes.

Using an iterative approach bridges material supply chains with energy system modeling, shedding light on critical risks to energy and material supply security. Together, these tasks redefine net-zero modeling by integrating circularity, enhancing resilience, and uncovering innovative pathways to a sustainable future.

This work empowers policymakers and industries to build a climate-positive, resource-secure energy system and economy.

More information

• Scientific publications
  • de Jong, M. (2024). “Wind of change: the impact of REPowerEU policy reforms on gas security” Policy Studies 45:3-4, 614-632. https://doi.org/10.1080/01442872.2024.2302442
  • de Jong, M. & Van Coppenolle, H. (UNDER REVIEW!) “Evaluating geopolitical gas supply chain security in the EU: A literature-based index and a clustering analysis” Energy Research & Social Science.
  • de Jong, M. (UNDER REVIEW!) “Point of no return: Uncovering reluctant energy integration during a crisis” Journal of European IntegratioBlondeel, M. & de Jong, M. (2023, 10 June), “De les van Nova Kachovka en Zaporizja: versnel de overstap naar zon- en windenergie.” De Morgen. https://www.demorgen.be/meningen/de-les-van-nova-kachovka-en-zaporizja-versnel¬-de-overstap-naar-zon-en-windenergie~bf28a9b4/
  • Colla et al. (2024) “Navigating bioenergy horizons: a critical examination of Europe’s potential, with Belgium as a case study” Sustainable Energy Research, 11:17, https://doi.org/10.1186/s40807-024-00108-0

• Books
  • Blondeel, M. & de Jong, M. (2023), “Staat de wereld in brand? Over geopolitiek, energie en een klimaat in crisis.” ASP Editions.
• Opinion pieces
  • de Jong, M. (2023), “Uncovering Uncomfortable Truths: the geopolitics of EU gas imports in the aftermath of the invasion of Ukraine.” Egmont Policy Brief 207. https://www.egmontinstitute.be/app/uploads/2023/05/Moniek-de-Jong_Policy_Brief_307.pdf?type=pdf
  • de Jong, M. (2023), “European gas imports: a geopolitical risky business.” Encompass. https://encompass-europe.com/comment/european-gas-imports-a-geopolitical-risky-business