The global transition to renewable energy is not only about replacing fossil fuels – it is also about rethinking our use of materials. Renewable energy technologies (RETs) such as wind turbines, solar panels, batteries and bioenergy systems rely on significant amounts of materials, including scarce and critical raw materials (CRMs). As demand for these technologies accelerates, so do concerns about risks to supply, environmental impact and material circularity.
This course explores the intersection of application in renewable energy and the circular economy. You will learn how circular strategies, such as reuse, recycling, material substitution and design for disassembly, can reduce dependency on critical materials and contribute to a more sustainable energy system. We will examine real-world case studies across four key RETs: wind, photovoltaics (PV), bioenergy and batteries. In each case, you will gain insight into component-specific challenges, current end-of-life practices, and innovative circular solutions.
Designed by TU Delft experts in renewable energy and circularity, the course combines academic insights with applied knowledge. You will engage in video lectures, reflective exercises, peer discussions and expert interviews to understand both the technical and systemic characteristics of circularity. You’ll be encouraged to assess local contexts and reflect on global strategies, building skills that are relevant across industry, policy and research.
Whether you are a consultant, entrepreneur, policymaker, engineer, or simply interested in sustainable energy, this course will help you:
- Evaluate material criticality across technologies
- Apply the R-ladder and other circularity tools
- Understand trade-offs in reuse and substitution
- Contribute to meaningful discussions about energy innovation and policy
