Research Paper

Energy Strategy Insights - Revisiting the Circular Carbon Economy

Author	Yoshikazu Kobayashi
Summary	The concept of a “Circular Carbon Economy” (CCE) was proposed several years ago, but its relevance is worth reconsidering in light of today’s changing energy landscape. The concept views carbon dioxide (CO2) not simply as a ...
Outline	The Circular Carbon Economy (CCE) is a holistic concept that seeks to achieve both decarbonization and economic growth by combining a broad range of technologies around the four Rs of “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Remove,” from energy efficiency and renewable energy to CCUS, carbon removal, and hydrogen and ammonia. Following the crises in Ukraine and the Strait of Hormuz, decarbonization is increasingly required to be pursued in tandem with energy and economic security. With its emphasis on technology neutrality and flexibility to accommodate future technological innovations, the CCE is gaining renewed importance as an approach to addressing these interconnected challenges.
Keyword	insights, Circular Carbon Economy, Circular Economy, 4Rs, technical neutrality
Media	ＨＰ (10/9/2026)
URL	https://eneken.ieej.or.jp/en/energy_strategy_insights.html
Report PDF	https://eneken.ieej.or.jp/data/13579.pdf