The Role of Bioenergy in the Energy Transition

The Role of Bioenergy in the Energy Transition

The global community has recognized the urgency of transitioning from fossil fuels to cleaner energy sources to combat climate change. This necessity is underscored by the Paris Agreement, which aims to limit global temperature rise to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. To reach this goal, we need to cut down on greenhouse gas emissions and switch from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources. Among the various forms of renewable energy, bioenergy plays a crucial role.

Table of Contents

1. Understanding Bioenergy
2. Importance in the Energy Transition
3. Current Deployment of Bioenergy
4. Barriers to Bioenergy Deployment
   • Political and Institutional Barriers
   • Financial and Economic Barriers
   • Technical and Infrastructure-Related Barriers
   • Supply Chain and Awareness Barriers
5. Addressing the Barriers
6. Conclusion
7. References

Understanding Bioenergy

Bioenergy is energy obtained from biological resources such as crops, woody biomass (like forestry and agricultural leftovers), and other organic substances and waste. It encompasses various forms, including solid biofuels, liquid biofuels, and gaseous biofuels. These fuels can be used for cooking, heating, industrial processes, electricity generation, and as transport fuels.

Modern bioenergy applications are diverse and extensive. They include the use of biomass and biogas/biomethane for building and industrial heat and power generation, liquid biofuels and biomethane for transport, and solid fuels as feedstocks for industrial heat and power. Despite its traditional and modern uses, bioenergy accounts for around 12% of the world's total final energy demand, with more than half consumed for cooking and heating in a traditional manner.

Importance in the Energy Transition

Bioenergy is a critical component in the transition to a sustainable energy future. The International Renewable Energy Agency’s (IRENA’s) 1.5°C Scenario envisions bioenergy comprising a quarter of the total primary energy supply and 17% of final energy demand by 2050. This scenario highlights the necessity for a significant scale-up in bioenergy to provide heat for industrial processes and buildings, fuels for transport, and as feedstock in the chemical industry for producing chemicals and plastics. Additionally, bioenergy combined with carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies in the power and industrial sectors could deliver the negative emissions needed to achieve net-zero goals.

Current Deployment of Bioenergy

Despite its potential, the current deployment of bioenergy remains well below the levels needed to achieve global decarbonization goals. Bioenergy only contributes small shares of final energy consumption: 8% in buildings and industry, and 3% in transport fuels. The slow growth rate is a significant barrier to meeting the ambitious targets set for a net-zero future.

Countries such as Brazil, China, the European Union (EU), and the United States have seen significant growth in bioenergy, but this growth is still insufficient. More efforts are needed to expand bioenergy use across all end uses, from cooking and heating to industrial processes and transport.

Barriers to Bioenergy Deployment

Political and Institutional Barriers

• Policy Uncertainty: Lack of clear, long-term policy signals for bioenergy in national energy strategies.
• Weak Institutional Structures: Inadequate coordination between relevant departments.

Financial and Economic Barriers

• Fossil Fuel Subsidies: These create market distortions, making bioenergy less competitive.
• High Costs: The initial investment and operational costs for biomass boilers and advanced biofuels are high.
• Lack of Access to Affordable Finance: Difficulty securing funding for bioenergy projects.
• Low Technology Readiness: Many bioenergy technologies are still in the development phase.
• Reliability and Infrastructure Issues: Dependable technology and infrastructure are necessary for bioenergy deployment.

Technical and Infrastructure-Related Barriers

• Feedstock Supply: Ensuring a stable and sustainable supply of biomass feedstock.
• Qualified Workforce: Lack of trained personnel and skills for bioenergy technologies.
• Sustainability Risks: Environmental and social sustainability concerns, such as land use and biodiversity.

Supply Chain and Awareness Barriers

• Information Gaps: Insufficient reliable information on bioenergy technologies and benefits.
• Public Awareness: Low awareness and understanding among the public and stakeholders.

Addressing the Barriers

To overcome these barriers, policy measures should be tailored to the local context and integrated with other sectoral strategies. Key measures include:

• Clear, Long-Term Strategies: Developing comprehensive bioenergy development plans.
• Financial Incentives: Addressing fossil fuel subsidies and improving bioenergy cost-competitiveness through fiscal measures.
• Regulations and Standards: Implementing bioenergy-specific regulations, obligations, and mandates.
• Research and Development Support: Promoting RD&D for advanced bioenergy technologies and providing loan guarantees.
• Capacity Building: Training for all stakeholders, from farmers to policymakers, to ensure the sustainability and efficiency of bioenergy projects.
• Public Awareness Campaigns: Educating the public and stakeholders about the benefits and importance of bioenergy.

Conclusion

Bioenergy holds a promising future as a pivotal player in the clean energy transition. Its potential to replace fossil fuels, provide renewable heat and power, and contribute to negative emissions makes it indispensable for meeting the 1.5°C climate goal. However, realizing this potential requires concerted efforts to overcome existing barriers and ensure the sustainability of bioenergy supply chains. Through strategic policies, financial support, technological advancements, and public engagement, bioenergy can significantly contribute to a sustainable and decarbonized future.

References

IEA (n.d.), Bioenergy. https://www.iea.org/energy-system/renewables/bioenergy

IRENA (2022), Bioenergy for the energy transition: Ensuring sustainability and overcoming barriers, International Renewable Energy Agency, Abu Dhabi, https://www.irena.org/Publications/2022/Aug/Bioenergy-for-the-Transition

Lacrosse, L., Englisch, M., Danner, K., & Stokes, H. (2021). The role of bioenergy in the clean energy transition and sustainable development: Lessons from developing countries, United Nations Industrial Development Organization, https://www.unido.org/sites/default/files/files/2021-07/New-Publication-Bioenergy.pdf