Unveiling latent topics in the interplay of Circular Economy and Energy Transition: A Topic Modelling approach

The Circular Economy (CE) and Energy Transition (ET) are crucial solutions for addressing global environmental challenges caused by linear economic models and fossil-based energy systems. Both approaches focus on enhancing energy and resource efficiency while minimizing environmental impacts. This Topic Modelling-based review identifies latent topics within the CE and ET academic literature, tackling the challenge of subjectivity found in traditional reviews. Using Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA), six topics are identified. Each topic sheds light on how crucial elements – such as economic and social sustainability, technological innovation, material management and electrification, waste management, local development, and regulatory policies – are interconnected with CE and ET. Together, these elements contribute to a more cohesive and effective transition. The study emphasizes the need for coordinated strategies and targeted policies to ensure that CE and ET not only coexist but also complement and strengthen each other. This holistic approach is vital for fostering a sustainable future that balances economic growth with environmental conservation.