Two of the most important features for bioenergy systems of the future are expected to be the ability to capture and store (or use) biogenic CO2 (BECCUS), in terms of inputs, shift between different and varying outputs in time and place. It is important to see how these two aspects interact and to strategize how these interactions can take the form of benefits rather than compromises.
The research questions in this study were:
- What could a more flexible operation of the BECCUS value chains of the different sectors look like?
- Where and how do BECCUS and flexible bioenergy work together in biobased value chains and what are the implications for the (bio)energy system?
- How can the implementation of BECCUS solutions in different sectors be combined with flexible bioenergy in terms of existing practices, technology, business models and value chain configurations?
Available case studies on the application of BECCS and BECCU were taken into account for the analysis. This mainly looked at combustion technologies for the generation of renewable energy, with a focus on post-combustion technology to capture carbon. This systems study is part of a series of studies carried out in the context of the IEA Bioenergy inter-task project Deployment of BECCUS value chains with the aim of highlighting these system-specific features.
Flexible bioenergy and BECCS (bioenergy with carbon capture and storage) are key technologies that are expected to play a crucial role in combating climate change (see IEA Net Zero by 2050 roadmap, IEA 2021). Flexible bioenergy involves the use of biomass to produce energy, such as heat and electricity, and can be used in various applications to replace fossil fuels. The flexibility of this technology lies in its ability to adapt production to energy demand, making it, among other things, a valuable addition to intermittent renewable energy sources such as wind and solar energy (operational flexibility) and also the use of different raw materials possible. and intermediate products (flexibility in input) and the offering of different energy carriers and products and services (flexibility in output).
On the other hand, BECCS is a negative emissions (NET) technology that uses bioenergy to produce electricity or other forms of energy, while the resulting carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) emissions are captured and stored underground, thus preventing them from entering the atmosphere. . This process not only reduces energy sector emissions, but can also reduce CO 2 from the atmosphere and thus contribute to negative emissions. With Carbon Utilization (BECCU), the resulting CO 2 emissions are captured and further utilized and therefore kept in use for a longer period of time. The CO2 However, emissions are not stored permanently and are prevented from entering the atmosphere. Negative emissions will not result from this technology.
Main conclusions of the study:
- Combining CCU and CCS with flexible exploitation of bioenergy facilities is technologically possible. Different types and levels of flexibility measures (flexibility in inputs, operations and outputs) can be applied to the different BECCS/U afterburning case studies. However, not all BECCS/U case studies and therefore (bioenergy) facilities are suitable for flexible operation.
- Flexible business operations, with regular construction and dismantling, do not create constant CO 2 capture rate possible, which could be a specific disadvantage for certain CO 2 -usage concepts and business models where this is a requirement. Flexible operations lead to lower CO2 levels, which in turn results in lower levels of negative emissions for the installation.
- The current core business model for operating CCU is the market price realized for selling the carbon for use in other applications. Here a constant CO 2 capture rate may be necessary to achieve reliable CO 2 - be able to implement usage concepts and business models. To develop a business model for BECCS, a reward system must first be set up. Possibly this concerns revenues generated by the removal of carbon dioxide - you could think of a mechanism that removes CO 2 rewards, i.e. negative emissions, such as a premium payment (financial instrument) or emission certificates.
- Current business models for flexible operation are mainly based on electricity market prices and/or possible incentive schemes that support flexible operation. However, broader climate policy instruments and associated incentive schemes do not (yet) exist.
Because the business models for providing flexible bioenergy and BECCS/U are of different nature, it is necessary to determine what role each of the technologies will play within the energy system and further within climate policy making.
To better describe the implications of flexible BECCUS for the energy system, we see the need for in-depth modeling of the energy system , and thereby increase awareness among energy system modelers and policymakers potential trade-offs for the energy system may arise when bioenergy plants provide energy flexibility and CCS/U at the same time . This will also support the understanding of the extent of carbon dioxide removal from the atmosphere when a bioenergy plant provides flexibility and carbon capture and storage at the same time.
This report was delivered in the context of the 'Deployment of BECCUS value chains' project.
The full set of reports is available here
Source: ieabioenergy.com
