Circular economy practices in the energy sector: a case study

The urgency to decarbonize the global economy has led companies to adopt alternative business models that reduce environmental impact, while maintaining operational efficiency. Circular Economy (CE) strategies have emerged as a key pathway in this transition, enabling the reuse of resources, reduction of waste, and innovation in production systems. This study aims to understand how CE practices are implemented in a company in the energy sector. Specifically, it examines PRIO, a leading Portuguese biofuel producer. The study adopts an exploratory qualitative case study approach. By analyzing PRIO’s implementation of CE practices, this study examines how circular strategies can be embedded in industrial processes to contribute to the energy transition. The findings reveal that PRIO applies CE principles throughout its value chain, particularly through the production of advanced biofuels derived from used cooking oil and industrial food waste. The company promotes circular initiatives supported by internal innovation programs, awareness campaigns, and investment in technologies for water reuse and waste recovery. As a result, PRIO has reduced its carbon footprint and reinforced its contribution to the energy sector decarbonization, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This research contributes to the understanding of how CE practices can accelerate the decarbonization of the energy sector and reinforces the importance of innovation, collaboration, and regulatory alignment in supporting the transition to a sustainable energy future.