What enables, constrains or channels renewable energy system innovation at a local level?

The perpetuation of the 'take, make, break' mentality implicit in the linear economy continues to generate ever increasing levels of pollution and waste and threatens to create a scarcity of key resources. At the same time, the need to transition to low carbon alternatives dominates the energy iscourse. In recent years circular economy thinking (CE) has gained popularity as a means to address both of these issues, promoting the efficient re-use of waste as an input into production whilst embracing low-carbon technologies. Despite significant progress, CE has struggled to break out of its niche and displace dominant approaches to manufacturing and energy generation.