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Over the past decades, the penetration of renewable energy sources is growing at a significant pace on a global scale. In parallel, the utilization of renewables could possibly act as the basis for the transition to a Circular Economy, which aims to reduce the use of finite resources. Compared to other European countries, Greece has achieved a significant share of renewables in its' energy mix and in parallel promotes various policies aiming to accomplish zero-carbon emissions by 2050. An important element of this procedure is the broader acceptance of renewables by the public. This paper investigates this concept by capturing citizens' view on renewable energy sources along with the overall concept of Circular Economy in Greece. By implementing a questionnaire analysis, empirical findings capture the intention of citizens to further develop and invest on renewable energy. Besides, our analysis identifies that as education level increases, the willingness to pay more for renewables and their acceptance from the public increases, as well. Finally, empirical findings indicate that Greek citizens are aware of the concept and the benefits arising from Circular Economy, yet additional efforts need to be addressed for the growth of this concept in Greece. • The study captures citizens' view on RES and Circular Economy in Greece. • Participants are aware and sensitive on environmental and climate change issues. • Participants accepted the existence of RES and are willing to pay additional cost. • As the level of education increased, willingness to pay for RES also increased. • Additional efforts need to be addressed for the growth of Circular Economy in Greece. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Need for food and energy challenge humanity. Producing biofuels from energy crops leads to the dilemma: “energy crops for biofuel or for food?” This paper aims to answer this dilemma through the SWOT analysis, for the first time for Greece. Results of the first alternative show strengths including creation of direct and indirect jobs (Biofuel production industry), diversity of energy supply, and positive contribution of the greenhouse effect. Weaknesses include environmental impact, and dependence on land availability (additional need of arable land other than that required to grow food). Energy and climate change priority on policy agenda, EU directives promoting the use of biofuels, and economic competitiveness with fossil fuels, could create the external environment to promote bioenergy production. Conversely, results of the second option show strengths including food security, and non-risk of deforestation in order to find new land. Weaknesses include failure to increase employment opportunities by not creation of indirect jobs, and non exploitation of marginal lands. Respective external environmental factors include solution to food crisis, use of second generation biofuels, and development of new and non-edible varieties. Dependence on fossil fuels and failure to comply with the world agenda regarding climate change, constitute threats for this option. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]