Measuring Circular Economy Indicator in Hydropower Refurbishment

Andreea Loredana Rhazzali (Birgovan), Elena Simina Lakatos, Gabriel Minea, Lucian-Ionel Cioca (), Madalina Barnisca, Sara Ferenci, Lorand Szabo and Radu Adrian Munteanu
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Andreea Loredana Rhazzali (Birgovan): Institute for Research in Circular Economy and Environment Ernest Lupan, 400561 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Elena Simina Lakatos: Institute for Research in Circular Economy and Environment Ernest Lupan, 400561 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Gabriel Minea: Institute for Research in Circular Economy and Environment Ernest Lupan, 400561 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Lucian-Ionel Cioca: Institute for Research in Circular Economy and Environment Ernest Lupan, 400561 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Madalina Barnisca: Institute for Research in Circular Economy and Environment Ernest Lupan, 400561 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Sara Ferenci: Institute for Research in Circular Economy and Environment Ernest Lupan, 400561 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Lorand Szabo: Institute for Research in Circular Economy and Environment Ernest Lupan, 400561 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Radu Adrian Munteanu: Institute for Research in Circular Economy and Environment Ernest Lupan, 400561 Cluj-Napoca, Romania

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 22, 1-20

Abstract: This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of the development, implementation, and evolution of the circular economy indicator (CEI) in the context of hydroelectric turbine refurbishment over the past five decades. By systematically examining publications indexed in the Web of Science database between 1975 and 2025, the study traces the conceptual origins of the CEI, highlights methodological advances, and analyzes practical applications. The analysis focuses on key aspects such as material circularity, energy efficiency, including the share of renewable sources, and the extension of operational lifetime achieved through refurbishment. The paper also identifies persistent methodological gaps, in particular regarding the integration of social and governance dimensions, as well as the lack of standardization across projects, proposing strategies to increase the reliability and applicability of the indicator. The results provide guidance for integrating circular economy principles into hydroelectric refurbishment processes, outline good practices, and set priorities for future research oriented towards more holistic and multidimensional assessments of circularity.

Keywords: circular economy; integrated indicator; CEI; hydropower; turbine refurbishment; sustainability; renewable energy (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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