Circularity in Renewable Energy
Victoria’s renewable energy transition is accelerating to meet ambitious climate targets, with renewable electricity expected to reach 95% by 2035 alongside significant growth in energy storage, electrification of transport, and increased electricity demand.
This transformation is materially‑intensive and will generate substantial volumes of end‑of‑life renewable energy and electric vehicle assets over the coming decades, particularly from rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) systems and Electric Vehicle (EV) batteries.
Advancements in technology, business, and recycling are delaying the challenges posed by waste generated from the energy transition in Victoria. However, without sufficient investment and resourcing, the industry will be unable to manage this waste at scale over the next decade. Recognising the benefits of transitioning both the energy and materials economy is vital for addressing future energy generation challenges and minimising emissions.
Overlooking this opportunity risks generating significant waste from decommissioned renewable energy assets, leading to waste management issues and a decline in public support for renewable initiatives.
This research highlights that circularity in renewable energy infrastructure is not a secondary consideration, but a strategic response to these intersecting challenges. The integration of circular economy principles into the energy transition offers substantial opportunities to mitigate these risks.
The implementation of circular economy methodologies – such as designing for reuse and disassembly, extending product lifespans, reusing, refurbishing, remanufacturing, and enhancing material data – presents an opportunity to minimise waste, reduce emissions, and strengthen the capacities of local industries. Targeted investments in onshore renewable energy manufacturing, along with the development of skills and infrastructure for reuse and remanufacturing, will help establish a resilient, low-emission, and circular energy future.