The beginning of the 21st century is defined by geopolitical tensions around resources, an expected shortage of fossil fuel resources and the emerging climate crisis, amplifying the urgency of the transition to renewable energy sources. This energy transition has been at the forefront of public discussion, framed by the 2016 Paris Agreement and the 2019 European Green Deal. In this context, European member states must accelerate the decarbonisation of their industries and the transition to renewable energy sources. As each member state attempts to deal with this challenge, issues associated with social and spatial justice in coal-intensive European regions arise, calling for a coordinated, inclusive and collaborative plan aiming at a just transition.

This thesis uses the coal intensive region of Western Macedonia as a case study and proposes the reconfiguration of the energy landscape by formulating a territorial vision, based on an analysis and the evaluation of scenario building. More specifically, it develops a series of spatial and non-spatial strategies aimed at restoring ecological integrity, diversifying the energy production, re-using heritage spaces and promoting governance collaboration and social inclusivity. By examining the vulnerabilities, potential, and opportunities present in the territory of Western Macedonia, this thesis seeks to promote the reconfiguration of Western Macedonia, embracing principles of regenerative development, adaptive re-use, participatory planning and collaborative governance.

Mankind is exhausting natural resources. Therefore, the need to transform the linear material flows towards circular chains is increasing. Steel is a material that is produced and used globally and has high potentials for recycling. However, in the maritime sector, steel is currently barely recycled, let alone reused in a more direct way. Maritime manufacturing is a vital industry in the province of South-Holland, strengthened by a strong knowledge network. The aim of this project is to localise and extend the steel life cycle, to create an environmentally and socially sustainable province in which maritime manufacturing can grow in a responsible way. In order to close the loops, the R-ladder is used as a framework for circular material flows in the manufacturing industry and in the participation of the citizens. A local steel life cycle for maritime manufacturing will be achieved through the connection of the steel using maritime companies in Rotterdam and the Drecht Cities with the steel production company of TATA Steel in IJmuiden. Missing links in the cycle, a secondary steel processing company and ship disassembly companies, will be brought to the province, providing a new purpose to the Port of Rotterdam when fossil fuels phase out. The transition to material circularity will be made possible through innovations in modular shipbuilding and renewable fuels. Innovation centres in the maker's industry will bridge between knowledge and practice. The consumers will be involved in the material transition through community re-hubs in their cities, where they can share, reuse and recycle products. In this strategy, the extensive water network will function as a backbone along which spatial developments will take place. The water backbone will be a connector for both public transport and industrial transport. This strategy for a transition towards circular steel flows in maritime manufacturing, can be an incentive and inspiration for other manufacturing sectors to close their material cycles.