Empowering Sustainability Through Circular Economy and Renewable Energy Innovations 

This study emphasizes the urgency of transitioning to a circular economy (CE) to combat resource depletion, waste mismanagement, and climate change. It highlights innovative solutions like biomass energy and microbial fuel cells to transform waste into renewable energy, driving sustainability and economic growth​
CoE-EDP, VisionRI
| Updated: 30-12-2024 09:15 IST | Created: 30-12-2024 09:15 ISTRepresentative image. Researchers from Nanda Nath Saikia College and Bodoland University in India, Silesian University of Technology in Poland, and the University of Texas at El Paso in the United States have highlighted the necessity of shifting from a linear economy to a circular economy (CE) to combat critical global challenges. The current “take, make, consume, dispose” model is unsustainable, leading to escalating waste production, resource depletion, and environmental degradation. Waste generation has far outpaced population growth, resulting in significant financial pressures, mismanagement of natural resources, and pollution of ecosystems. CE offers an alternative by focusing on minimizing waste, retaining resource value, and regenerating materials in continuous cycles. This transition is not only environmentally crucial but also aligns with achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) such as clean energy, responsible consumption, and climate action.Biomass Energy as a Key to SustainabilityAt the core of CE is the use of biomass energy, derived from organic waste such as agricultural residues, forestry waste, and municipal solid waste (MSW). Biomass offers a renewable alternative to fossil fuels, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing energy security. The study explores thermochemical methods, such as gasification and pyrolysis, and biochemical processes like fermentation to convert biomass into energy. Gasification generates syngas, a combustible mixture of gases, while pyrolysis produces biochar, bio-oil, and syngas through thermal decomposition. Fermentation, meanwhile, converts cellulosic materials from agricultural waste into bioethanol, a clean-burning fuel with diverse applications. MSW, with over 60% biodegradable content, presents a largely untapped opportunity to produce renewable energy while addressing waste management issues. By leveraging these approaches, biomass becomes an essential component of CE, addressing both energy and environmental challenges.Transforming Wastewater into Energy with Microbial Fuel CellsThe study introduces microbial fuel cells (MFCs) as an innovative solution for treating municipal wastewater while generating electricity. Using electrogenic microbes, MFCs convert organic contaminants in wastewater into electrical energy, offering a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional treatment methods. This technology not only produces green energy but also aligns with CE principles by repurposing waste into valuable resources. Th