This study aimed to investigate how Industrial Symbiosis (IS) built around thermoelectric power plants (TPPs) located in forest-based clusters in the southern plateau region of the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil, can stimulate the adoption of circular economy (CE) practices. Data were collected to identify the presence of forest-based clusters and the purchase and sale of logs, processed wood, and forest residues from companies within the clusters, and to investigate CE practices using the ReSOLVE framework adopted in two TPPs, which used residues and black liquor as fuel. The results indicate that the nature of the forest-based activities enhances the formation of clusters, especially when TPPs use forest residues for energy production with IS intensified in this process. Brazil has 140 TTPs that use forest biomass with the capacity to generate 5.5 million wK. Three clusters were identified in the study region with purchase and sale, respectively, of logs (78.6 and 100%), processed wood (75 and 66.7%), and wood residues (45.5 and 83.3%) within the region. The case studies indicated the strong occurrence of CE practices in the cases analyzed that contribute to four of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) proposed by the United Nations (7, 8, 9, and 12).

This study aimed to identify the adoption of circular economy (CE) practices at thermoelectric power plants (TPPs) fueled by forest biomass in Brazil and determine the degree of implementation; social, environmental, and economic impacts; motivations; challenges; and facilitating factors for the adoption of such practices. Data were collected through a questionnaire applied to a sample of 32 TPPs in Brazil employing the ReSOLVE framework from October 2023 to January 2024. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, with the assignment of scores, and principal component analysis. The results indicate that optimization practices are the most widespread (6.7) and sharing practices were the least adopted (4.0). The greatest motivators for adopting CE practices are promoting sustainability (9.5) and enhancing corporate image (9.5). One of the most relevant positive impacts of such practices is the improvement in social relations between companies and the community (9.1). A major challenge to CE adoption is government neglect, whereas certification systems constitute one of the major facilitators (with 20 indications). This study provides indicators for decision-makers in the private sector and public managers interested in promoting sustainable practices in the renewable energy industry.

In the search for renewable energy sources, industrial symbiosis (IS) is a vital model for sustainability and the circular economy. This study examined the implementation of IS practices at thermoelectric power plants (TPPs) across Brazil, analyzing the stages of implementation, types of exchanges, as well as environmental, social, and economic impacts. Using an exploratory, quantitative approach, questionnaires were distributed to 33 of the 103 TPPs in the country that use biomass. Data were analyzed through descriptive statistics and principal component analysis was performed to identify relationships among variables. The findings revealed that 64% of the TPPs employ IS practices with daily exchanges involving water, energy, and biomass. Larger TPPs and those in the pulp and paper sector demonstrated higher engagement and perceived more benefits. The main advantages reported were an increase in energy efficiency, improved resource utilization from an environmental perspective, social support for local development, and lower costs, resulting in greater economic competitiveness. The primary obstacle was geographic distance. In conclusion, industrial symbiosis in power plants fueled by biomass is a well-established and beneficial practice, with significant potential for advancing the circular economy. Proximity is a crucial factor for the success and efficiency of these networks. Graphical Abstract