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Forest bioenergy: BECCS and its role in integrated assessment models

Technologies to remove carbon from the atmosphere and thereby deliver on climate targets may not deliver on their promises. This is the conclusion of a new report by European science academies on “Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage” (BECCS).

EASAC Commentary "Forest bioenergy update: BECCS and its role in integrated assessment models"
Image: EASAC

The potential of this technology “highly contrasts with the prominent role it takes in many scenarios”, argues study coordinator Mike Norton. Examining the latest evidence on BECCS, the report shows that the models which point to BECCS as a preferred negative emissions technology may contain well-hidden weaknesses. In addition, many BECCS-scenarios are based on unrealistic assumptions regarding availability of biomass quantities. Therefore, until the benefits and feasibility of this technology are proven, the EU and national governments should not be offering subsidies to promote it. Otherwise the danger remains that BECCS will be offered to policymakers as a climate solution and more politically challenging mitigation options are avoided.

Edition / Volume: Commentary
Pages: 24 p.

Categories

  • Bioenergy
  • Biomass
  • Integrated assessment

Contact

Dr. Roger Pfister
Swiss Academies of Arts and Sciences
House of Academies
PO Box
3001 Bern
Switzerland


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