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Modularisation as enabler of circular economy in energy infrastructure

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  • Mignacca, Benito
  • Locatelli, Giorgio
  • Velenturf, Anne

Abstract

Existing energy infrastructure have a technical and/or economic lifecycle predetermined by the lifetime of certain components. In energy infrastructure, the residual lifetime of civil structure or other components with a longer life is usually wasted. Modular energy infrastructure can be reconfigurable decoupling the life of the infrastructure from their modules, and extending module and/or infrastructure lifecycle. Modularisation could become a cornerstone to enable circular economy (CE) and enhanced sustainability. Remarkably, despite the growing interest among policymakers, practitioners and academics in both CE and modularisation, there is a lack of knowledge about the link between CE and modularisation in energy infrastructure. Through a Systematic Literature Review, this paper derives the gap in knowledge regarding the link between CE and modularisation in energy infrastructure. This link is then investigated in other sectors identifying relevant implications such as reduction of construction waste and achievement of the closed-loop material cycle. Furthermore, the case of Yamal Liquefied Natural Gas project is used to compare and contrast two perspectives: “Traditional modularisation” and “Modular CE”. Lastly, the paper discusses existing policies, provides policy recommendations to foster “Modular CE” in energy infrastructure and suggests a research agenda.

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  • Mignacca, Benito & Locatelli, Giorgio & Velenturf, Anne, 2020. "Modularisation as enabler of circular economy in energy infrastructure," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 139(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:enepol:v:139:y:2020:i:c:s0301421520301270
    DOI: 10.1016/j.enpol.2020.111371
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Lindley, Ben & Roulstone, Tony & Locatelli, Giorgio & Rooney, Matt, 2023. "Can fusion energy be cost-competitive and commercially viable? An analysis of magnetically confined reactors," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 177(C).
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    4. Mignacca, Benito & Locatelli, Giorgio & Sainati, Tristano, 2020. "Deeds not words: Barriers and remedies for Small Modular nuclear Reactors," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 206(C).
    5. Beata Piotrowska & Daniel Słyś, 2022. "Comprehensive Analysis of the State of Technology in the Field of Waste Heat Recovery from Grey Water," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(1), pages 1-20, December.
    6. Nian, Victor & Mignacca, Benito & Locatelli, Giorgio, 2022. "Policies toward net-zero: Benchmarking the economic competitiveness of nuclear against wind and solar energy," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 320(C).
    7. Rigot-Müller, Patrick & Cheaitou, Ali & Etienne, Laurent & Faury, Olivier & Fedi, Laurent, 2022. "The role of polarseaworthiness in shipping planning for infrastructure projects in the Arctic: The case of Yamal LNG plant," Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, Elsevier, vol. 155(C), pages 330-353.
    8. Anne P. M. Velenturf, 2021. "A Framework and Baseline for the Integration of a Sustainable Circular Economy in Offshore Wind," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(17), pages 1-41, September.

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