Circular Economy Principles in Energy Transitions: Relationship Directions, Evidence Bases, and Trade-offs in a Systematic Review

Abstract

Energy transitions are increasingly constrained by material demand, end-of-life flows, and resource governance, yet the role of circular-economy (CE) principles remains fragmented across the literature. This systematic review examines how CE and energy transitions (ET) are related, what evidence supports these relationships, and which trade-offs are reported. Scopus and Web of Science publications indexed from 2015 to 25 February 2025 were screened following PRISMA 2020, yielding 55 studies. Fifteen circularity principles were identified. Thirty studies framed CE as influencing ET, eight framed ET as influencing CE, and 17 described a synergistic relationship. Only six studies provided direct empirical evidence; 49 relied on inference or theoretical reflection. Reuse and repurposing and recycling were the most frequent principles. Trade-offs were identified in 25 studies, mainly involving materials and resource flows, waste and emissions, energy-economic performance and supply security, and social-territorial justice. The review proposes an analytical framework for comparing CE–ET interactions and their evidentiary basis.