Report
Can the circular economy support the energy transition?
Discover how the circular economy can support the energy transition: levers, challenges and concrete solutions presented by Circul'R.
Authors
Raphaël Masvigner
Co-founder
Sara Bonnet
Communications Director
Background: a regulatory framework that will shape the energy transition
The energy transition is a major challenge for France, both environmentally and socio-economically. Faced with the challenges posed by climate change and the depletion of natural resources, it is essential to rethink our model of energy production and consumption.
In 2015, the Energy Transition for Green Growth Act, together with the Paris Agreement concluded at COP21, were decisive for the energy transition in France. They set out an ambitious roadmap and laid the foundations for a far-reaching transformation of the energy system. France then committed to cutting its greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by 2030 compared with 1990 levels, and to reaching carbon neutrality by 2050.
In addition, several texts contribute to a comprehensive regulatory framework that supports an accelerated, lasting energy transition:
- the European Green Deal (2019)
- the Climate and Resilience law (2021)
- the European Green Taxonomy (2022)
- the bill on renewable energy and nuclear power (2023)
An energy transition that goes beyond clean energy generation alone
To meet these targets, France must undertake a major energy transition, which cannot be approached solely through the lens of clean energy generation. It must also take account of upstream and downstream issues along the value chain, including waste management, energy efficiency, resource sustainability and reducing the carbon footprint.
The role of the circular economy in the energy transition
Through its approach favouring the reuse, repair, recycling and regeneration of resources throughout their life cycle, the circular economy offers considerable opportunities to reduce our dependence on virgin resources, cut waste and emissions, and promote a more efficient and sustainable use of energy.
Continuing its commitment to supporting the transition of private and public actors towards a circular economy, Circul'R wanted to analyse the close link between France's energy transition and the circular economy.
What you will find in this report
In a first part, we analyse the specific challenges facing the energy transition, both upstream and downstream of the energy chain, and look at how the circular economy can provide concrete answers to them. In a second part, we highlight the circular levers that can facilitate and accelerate the energy transition, examining the different pillars of the circular economy and their capacity to support it.
By combining the strengths of the energy transition and the circular economy, France can aspire to a more sustainable, resilient and prosperous energy future. It is time to explore these synergies in detail and seize the opportunities they offer.
FAQ
What you need to know about us.
Qu'est-ce que Circul'R ?
Circul'R est un cabinet de conseil spécialisé en économie circulaire. Depuis 2016, il accompagne plus de 150 grandes entreprises et acteurs publics à travers des missions de conseil, des coalitions sectorielles, des programmes de formation et le Club Circul'R.
What sets Circul'R apart from a generalist consulting firm?
Circul'R has focused exclusively on the circular economy since its inception. This specialization allows us to develop an expertise in resource dynamics and sector-specific transformations that a generalist firm cannot match.
What types of organizations do you work with?
Contrairement à un cabinet RSE généraliste, Circul'R est spécialisé exclusivement en économie circulaire depuis 2016. Cette expertise transverse - filières, réglementations (AGEC, REP, ESPR), business models - lui permet de transformer la circularité en avantage compétitif mesurable : réduction d'impact, sécurisation des ressources, conformité et nouveaux relais de croissance.
What is the process for a consulting project with Circul'R?
Circul'R conseille les grandes entreprises privées - dont de nombreux groupes du CAC 40 et du SBF 120 - sur leurs décisions stratégiques, tous secteurs confondus. Le cabinet accompagne également les acteurs qui déploient les politiques publiques d'économie circulaire : éco-organismes, agences, bailleurs de fonds et collectivités.
Do you operate only in France or internationally as well?
Circul'R propose quatre offres complémentaires : des missions de conseil sur mesure pour structurer votre stratégie circulaire, des coalitions sectorielles pour résoudre des problématiques communes entre entreprises, des formations pour monter en compétence sur l'économie circulaire, et le Club Circul'R, le réseau des entreprises engagées dans la transition circulaire.
How does the circular economy fit into an existing corporate strategy?
Circul'R accompagne ses clients sur l'ensemble du cadre réglementaire français et européen de l'économie circulaire : loi AGEC, filières REP, CSRD, ainsi que les textes européens récents (PPWR, ESPR, CRMA). Le cabinet traduit ces obligations en feuilles de route opérationnelles, pour transformer une contrainte de conformité en avantage stratégique.
What is a sector-based coalition and how can I participate?
Nous définissons en amont des indicateurs de circularité adaptés (matières économisées, taux de réemploi, réduction d'empreinte, valeur générée) et suivons leur évolution tout au long de la mission, pour des résultats business et environnementaux concrets.
How do you measure the results of your engagements?
Basé à Paris, Circul'R intervient principalement en France et en Europe. À l'international, il accompagne des projets de coopération : partage de l'expertise française sur la REP, appui aux bailleurs de fonds sur leurs programmes de transition circulaire dans les pays émergents, via un réseau de partenaires opérationnels et d'experts sectoriels.
What is the average duration of a project?
Contactez l'équipe via le site : Circul'R analyse vos enjeux puis propose le dispositif adapté (mission de conseil, rejoindre une coalition, suivre une formation ou adhérer au Club) pour accélérer votre transition vers l'économie circulaire.