Circularity in our Energy System

Circular Economy can be defined as all economic activities that fulfil human needs and do not have a net and persistent impact on the Environment. Therefore, it works in harmony with the balance that Nature has achieved after thousands of years of evolution. This is a refreshing contrast to the traditional linear economy which is a ‘take, make, use and dispose’ model.

Achieving a circular economy for human activity is considered a key factor for long-term sustainability, which is the reason why it is being promoted by top-level European strategies such as Europe 2020. Turning waste products into energy is just one of the ways that circularity can be achieved in our energy system.  This waste-to-energy [1] concept produces energy using different techniques such as incineration, gasification or anaerobic digestion.

Waste can be used to produce electricity, heat, biofuels or even new materials. Potentially useful and valuable waste is frequently found in agricultural systems in the form of shells or pruning remains, farming subproducts such as slurry and manures, or food industry waste materials. Watch the following video to get a quick idea on the potential of bioenergy.

[1] The Role of Waste-to-Energy in the Circular Economy, European Commission: http://ec.europa.eu/environment/waste/waste-to-energy.pdf