Situating coupled circular economy and energy transition in an emerging economy

Abstract

<abstract> Fossilized energy system and linear economy model are associated with many of the environmental challenges facing the globe today. The current take-make-dispose model of production causes resource depletion and waste generation; while the highly fossilized energy system is associated with greenhouse gases emissions and climate change. Hence, the current study examined the challenges and opportunities of implementing coupled circular economy and energy transition model in Nigeria. Review and synthesis of literature was adopted for the study. Transitions to the two models are highly situated in socio-technical context. The barriers and potentials connected with both and their coupled transitions is dependent on the country's development stage (economic and infrastructure development), institutions, technological capacity and political will (evident in effective and enforceable legislations). Industrial symbiosis and waste-to-energy path are some of the operational approaches that couples CE and ET. Both also allows for resource efficiency and sustainability—environmental, social and economic. Effective policy actions and sustainable financing are critical enablers for developed CE and ET. </abstract>