In energy systems with an increasing share of variable energy sources such as solar and wind energy, bioenergy plays an increasingly important role, especially in regions where alternative renewable energy sources are difficult or expensive to supply. Climate-efficient and cost-effective flexibility of bioenergy is crucial. This flexibility plays a role not only in the supply of electricity, but also in several other energy system services such as the supply of biofuels, the implementation of renewable heat, carbon capture and use options, and the reduction of network operating costs.
Need for a favorable policy environment
To realize the full potential of flexible bioenergy for energy system transformation, favorable policy conditions are needed. Experts from IEA Bioenergy Task 44 (Flexible Bioenergy and System Integration) analyzed developments in flexible bioenergy implementation in 14 countries and the EU. Their report is based on questionnaires completed by bioenergy experts from these countries, contacted through the IEA Bioenergy Network.
Findings of the report
The results show that flexible bioenergy is being considered in several application areas, with priorities varying by country. Particular importance is attached to the use of flexible raw materials and the supply of flexible energy. Daily and seasonal flexibility are crucial for system integration, as well as for innovation and implementation pipelines. In addition, there is growing interest in the flexibility of raw materials, including different biomass sources and storage and trading options. These options have received increased attention in most countries over the past three years and implementation is still ongoing.
Innovation and research
Flexible production of hydrogen or CO2, as well as polygeneration of energy and non-energy products, are increasingly identified as topics for research and demonstration. Flexible bioenergy and BECCS (Bio-energy with Carbon Capture and Storage) are considered emerging topics in many energy strategies.
Support mechanisms
There are many support mechanisms for sustainable energy production, but most only indirectly support flexible bioenergy and system integration. Direct policy support for flexibility is reported from Austria, Denmark, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland and Turkey. These mechanisms support the creation of flexible bioenergy capacities on biogas plants (in Germany), feed-in tariffs and premiums for flexible bioenergy (Austria and Denmark) or focus on the Capex and Opex contribution to green CHPs (Switzerland).
Barriers and prospects
Despite this support, insufficient policy instruments and market mechanisms are seen as the main barriers to accelerating flexible bioenergy in almost all countries surveyed. Competition with other flexibility options is increasing. However, infrastructure aspects are not mentioned as a barrier, which can distinguish flexible bioenergy from other system integration options and provide an advantage in short-term implementation.
This report is part one of the analysis of the questionnaire. The second report, which addresses expectations for flexible bioenergy in different countries, is expected in autumn 2024. Flexible bioenergy remains a crucial part of sustainable energy systems and requires targeted policy and market mechanisms to fully realize its potential .
Source: IEA Bioenergy
