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Developing policies for the end-of-life of energy infrastructure: Coming to terms with the challenges of decommissioning

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  • Invernizzi, Diletta Colette
  • Locatelli, Giorgio
  • Velenturf, Anne
  • Love, Peter ED.
  • Purnell, Phil
  • Brookes, Naomi J.

Abstract

Energy sector policies have focused historically on the planning, design and construction of energy infrastructures, while typically overlooking the processes required for the management of their end-of-life, and particularly their decommissioning. However, decommissioning of existing and future energy infrastructures is constrained by a plethora of technical, economic, social and environmental challenges that must be understood and addressed if such infrastructures are to make a net-positive contribution over their whole life. Here, we introduce the magnitude and variety of these challenges to raise awareness and stimulate debate on the development of reasonable policies for current and future decommissioning projects. Focusing on power plants, the paper provides the foundations for the interdisciplinary thinking required to deliver an integrated decommissioning policy that incorporates circular economy principles to maximise value throughout the lifecycle of energy infrastructures. We conclude by suggesting new research paths that will promote more sustainable management of energy infrastructures at the end of their life.

Suggested Citation

  • Invernizzi, Diletta Colette & Locatelli, Giorgio & Velenturf, Anne & Love, Peter ED. & Purnell, Phil & Brookes, Naomi J., 2020. "Developing policies for the end-of-life of energy infrastructure: Coming to terms with the challenges of decommissioning," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 144(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:enepol:v:144:y:2020:i:c:s0301421520304067
    DOI: 10.1016/j.enpol.2020.111677
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Rahil Parag Sheth & Narendra Singh Ranawat & Ayon Chakraborty & Rajesh Prasad Mishra & Manoj Khandelwal, 2023. "The Lithium-Ion Battery Recycling Process from a Circular Economy Perspective—A Review and Future Directions," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(7), pages 1-16, April.
    2. 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).
    3. R, Hall & E, Topham & E, João, 2022. "Environmental Impact Assessment for the decommissioning of offshore wind farms," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 165(C).
    4. Galyna Trypolska & Tetiana Kurbatova & Olha Prokopenko & Honorata Howaniec & Yuriy Klapkiv, 2022. "Wind and Solar Power Plant End-of-Life Equipment: Prospects for Management in Ukraine," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(5), pages 1-15, February.
    5. Vincenzo Basile & Nunzia Capobianco & Roberto Vona, 2021. "The usefulness of sustainable business models: Analysis from oil and gas industry," Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 28(6), pages 1801-1821, November.
    6. Luis M. Abadie & Nestor Goicoechea, 2021. "Old Wind Farm Life Extension vs. Full Repowering: A Review of Economic Issues and a Stochastic Application for Spain," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(12), pages 1-24, June.
    7. 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.
    8. Lee, Juyong & Cho, Youngsang, 2023. "Economic value of the development of nuclear power plant decommissioning technology in South Korea," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 181(C).
    9. Andrew Borg & Charise Cutajar & Tonio Sant & Robert N. Farrugia & Daniel Buhagiar, 2024. "Techno-Feasibility Assessment of a Floating Breakwater Concept for Supporting Marine Renewables in Deep Waters," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(11), pages 1-30, May.

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