The article ‘A multidimensional and multi-criteria framework for measuring the circularity of energy generation systems at national level,’ published in the Journal of Cleaner Production, is available online. Maria Anna Cusenza and Pierpaolo Girardi, Head of the ‘Life Cycle Analysis’ Research Group, both from RSE’s Sustainable Development and Energy Sources Department, made contributions. The research activity was developed in collaboration with the Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna.

The circular economy can play a key role in the energy transition path initiated by the European Union. Principles underpinning the circular economy, such as promoting the use of renewable inputs and increasing resource use efficiency, can, on the one hand, stimulate the transition to cleaner, decarbonized energy and, on the other hand, reduce energy security risks associated with the supply chains of minerals and metals necessary for the deployment of renewable-fueled technologies.

Establishing circularity parameters for power generation systems is essential for effective planning and monitoring of progress toward tangible goals. In this framework, this article proposes a parameter to quantify the circularity of the entire electric generation system nationwide. The proposed circularity parameter considers aspects related to policies supporting circularity, material, energy and waste flows, and environmental sustainability assessed through the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology. Based on the resulting circularity score, electricity systems can be classified as ‘emerging,’ ‘initiated,’ ‘established,’ or ‘circular.’

This parameter was applied to the Italian power generation sector with reference to 2020. Based on the selected assumptions and indicators, the study showed that the domestic power generation sector is an ‘established’ system in the circular transition pathway.

The proposed parameter provides a starting point for monitoring progress toward a more circular power generation system and can support stakeholders (decision makers in the industry and government) in strategic management and decisions aimed at increasing the circularity of the investigated system at the macro level (e.g. through strategic planning and priority setting). The research activity gives an innovative contribution to the literature related to the assessment of the level of circularity of electrical systems.