Diversity of biomass usage pathways to achieve emissions targets in the European energy system

Summary

This paper, published in Nature Energy, uses energy system modelling to assess how a diversity of biomass conversion pathways can contribute to achieving emissions targets in the European energy system. The authors likely argue that no single biomass pathway is sufficient on its own and that a portfolio approach — spanning sectors such as power, heat, transport, and industry — is necessary for cost-effective decarbonisation. The study informs debates about the role of biomass and bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) in net-zero strategies.

UK applicability

The findings are broadly applicable to UK energy and land use policy, particularly given ongoing debates around the role of biomass in the UK's net-zero pathway, including the status of large-scale bioenergy facilities and BECCS in the UK's Climate Change Committee scenarios. The European scope means direct policy figures differ, but the systems insights on pathway diversity are transferable.

Key measures

Greenhouse gas emissions reductions (MtCO₂eq); biomass allocation across pathways; land use demand; energy system costs

Outcomes reported

The study examined how diverse biomass usage pathways — such as bioenergy with carbon capture and storage, direct combustion, and synthetic fuels — contribute to meeting emissions reduction targets in the European energy system. It likely quantified trade-offs between pathways in terms of emissions abatement potential, land use, and system cost.

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