Circular economy based approach for green energy transitions and climate change benefits

Abstract

Concerning rapid resource depletion and the negative effects of climate change, the adaptation of Circular Economy (CE) strategies in the environmental sector is gaining global recognition and application. This study forecasts the energy demand and emissions scenarios for a circular economy-dependent green energy transition, based on learnings from the forced situation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. This study focuses on the industrial, domestic, and transportation sectors of the National Capital Territory (NCT) of India i.e., Delhi. Implementation of circular economy strategies helps in limiting the impacts of rising energy demand by shifting towards green fuels and biofuels. The data related to energy demand, consumption, percentage share and growth, etc., was gathered and incorporated in Low Emission Analysis Platform model to generate three scenarios i.e., business as usual, circular economy (CE), and pandemic scenario to compare the outputs of energy demand and emissions in terms of CO2 and particulate matter. The results for the CE scenario, for the year 2020 to 2040 shows that there will be a reduction of 158.2 kt PM2.5 emissions (24.3%) and 540 Mt CO2 emissions (49%) as well as a reduction of 203 Mtoe total energy usage (49.3%) as compared to the business-as-usual scenario. The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on societal and commercial activities in the concerned city. Activities came to a standstill during the COVID-19 pandemic, but the same had significantly improved the environment. This unusual forced situation of COVID-19 lockdown produced a unique scenario which shows that the total extra reduction in energy demand of 46%, CO2 and PM2.5 emissions of 45–60% could be achieved by 2040, as compared to CE scenario.