Anthropogenic climate change demands innovative educational approaches that effectively bridge sustainability concepts with practical learning. Particularly this applies to the broad context of sustainable energy education. The CIRCLE project (Creative Impulses for Recycling, Crafting and Learning) conducted by the Sustainable Technologies Laboratory at Bochum University of Applied Sciences offers a novel, problem-based learning environment which is initially designed to integrate analytical and practical applications of circular design principles into higher education sustainability courses. This paper illustrates how CIRCLE can furthermore successfully contribute to sustainable energy education. Referring to the example of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell it is shown in detail to what extent participating students not only assess and enhance product circularity but dealing with energy-related products simultaneously acquire theoretical knowledge of key facts, central concepts and relevant energy-related technologies as well as practical competencies. Future work will empirically assess CIRCLE’s educational outcomes and explore scalable curriculum integration, contributing to innovation in sustainability teaching and learning."