Organised by RGI
Electricity grids are at the core of the global energy transition, requiring ongoing modernisation and expansion to accommodate increasing renewable energy integration, electrification, and digitalisation. However, both the expansion and retrofitting of the grid face significant challenges, particularly in the context of material requirements, resource scarcity and constrains within grid infrastructure supply chains.
As the world transitions to a renewables-based energy system, the electrification of industrial, transport, housing and other sectors intensifies. In turn, the demand for electricity grid infrastructure grows, creating further pressures on the production and delivery of critical grid technologies. In this context, the substantial amounts of resources and materials needed for the grid expansion, and their uneven distribution across the globe, create additional challenges related to ensuring a just and sustainable global energy transition.
Why circularity?
Against this background, the concept of circularity—focused on maximising resource efficiency, minimising waste, and extending the lifecycle of materials and components—offers a compelling framework for addressing these challenges. By integrating circularity principles, grid operators can not only enhance the sustainability of their infrastructure but also build greater resilience against supply chain disruptions.
But, how can grid operators implement circular approaches in their operations to reduce these challenges? And what are the status of supply chain disruptions within the European context?
On 24 October from 15:00 to 16:30 CEST, RGI’s Webinar “Wired for Circularity: Securing the Power Grids of the Future” will explore the intersection of circularity and supply chain management within the electricity grid sector, drawing on insights from the following speakers:
Speakers
Jinlei Feng
Programme Officer, Policy Advice at IRENA
Provided a global overview of circular economy actions and material demand foresight for the energy transition.
Nicola Magnani
Leader of the “Materials and supply chains for the energy transition” project at the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC)
– Leader of the “Materials and supply chains for the energy transition” project at the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC)
Provided insights into the critical materials needed for the energy transition and highlight the EU policies related to materials and supply chains of the grid infrastructure.
Marcela Mantilla
Sustainability & Industrial Affairs Advisor at RTE
Showcased how France’s grid operator is implementing circularity principles to strengthen sustainability and build resilience within their operations.
