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Repurposing End-of-Life Coal Mines with Business Models Based on Renewable Energy and Circular Economy Technologies

Author

Listed:
  • Alicja Krzemień

    (Department of Extraction Technologies, Rockburst and Risk Assessment, Central Mining Institute—National Research Institute, 40166 Katowice, Poland)

  • Aleksander Frejowski

    (Department of Extraction Technologies, Rockburst and Risk Assessment, Central Mining Institute—National Research Institute, 40166 Katowice, Poland)

  • Gregorio Fidalgo Valverde

    (School of Mining, Energy and Materials Engineering, University of Oviedo, 33004 Oviedo, Spain)

  • Pedro Riesgo Fernández

    (School of Mining, Energy and Materials Engineering, University of Oviedo, 33004 Oviedo, Spain)

  • Silverio Garcia-Cortes

    (Polytechnic School of Mieres, University of Oviedo, 33600 Mieres, Spain)

Abstract

This paper presents a methodology to select the most exciting business models based on renewable energy and circular economy technologies within end-of-life coal mines to help develop a renewable-based energy sector, promote sustainable local economic growth, and maximise the number of green and quality jobs. To achieve this goal, first, a structural analysis was developed to select the technical variables that better identify this complex system. Second, a morphological analysis allowed the construction of the scenario space. Third, a multicriteria assessment was developed to achieve this goal, based on the previously assessed relevant scenarios, considering the European Green Deal policies, technical variables that characterise end-of-life coal mine environments, technology readiness level, the European taxonomy, synergistic potentials, contributions to the circular economy, and sector coupling. Finally, result indicators were selected to analyse the alternative options derived from the justification approach, considering the targets set by the European Green Deal and related taxonomy and the regional policy indicators for the Just Transition Fund. The results show that eco-industrial parks with virtual power plants represent the most appropriate business model choice, according to the scoring given to the different aspects. They may be complemented by a hydrogen production plant, provided that specific economic subventions are obtained to achieve balanced financial results.

Suggested Citation

  • Alicja Krzemień & Aleksander Frejowski & Gregorio Fidalgo Valverde & Pedro Riesgo Fernández & Silverio Garcia-Cortes, 2023. "Repurposing End-of-Life Coal Mines with Business Models Based on Renewable Energy and Circular Economy Technologies," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(22), pages 1-25, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:16:y:2023:i:22:p:7617-:d:1281875
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Horbach, Jens, 2008. "Determinants of environmental innovation--New evidence from German panel data sources," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 37(1), pages 163-173, February.
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