With the growth of sun and wind, the need for flexibility in the energy system also grows. Bioenergy proves to be surprisingly versatile in that role, but is still far from being used everywhere. What is possible and what is needed to realize that?
Sun and wind provide clean energy, but not always when we need it. That is why the need for technologies that can quickly step in or temporarily absorb energy is growing. Flexible bioenergy, energy from biomass that adapts to supply and demand, plays a silent but crucial role in this.
Short and long term
According to a recent report by IEA Bioenergy, there are two main aspects of flexibility in bioenergy. In the short term, plants can quickly scale up or down their electricity production. Think of biogas plants that can respond within minutes. In the longer term, biomass offers the possibility of storing energy, for example in the form of biogas or bio-oil, which can be used months later.
Technologies in different stages
The technologies range from commercially available to still under development. Well-known applications such as wood combustion for heat are widespread, but the flexible use of these systems is still rare. For example, combustion of biomass or biomass-based intermediate products and energy carriers for the production of heat, for example for district heating or in combined heat and power, is quite common. However, the flexibility of these units for positive supporting services is only rarely used, mostly in countries where appropriate incentives exist such as a flexibility premium.
Biogas installations with storage capacity and smart control, on the other hand, can already actively balance the grid. Innovations such as Power to Gas, in which excess electricity is converted into hydrogen and then methane, are technically feasible and have been demonstrated on a small scale. However, a profitable business case is often lacking. Techniques for making liquid or gaseous energy carriers from wet biomass are also emerging, but need to be scaled up.
Systems thinking is essential
Flexibility requires not only technology, but also smart system integration. Heating networks, industrial processes and transport can benefit from biomass that adapts to demand. At the same time, this broad deployment makes it all the more important to use biomass efficiently and to weigh up competing claims.
Policy choices determine the pace
Many technologies are technically mature but economically vulnerable. Without appropriate market mechanisms, they remain underused. Countries that reward flexibility, for example with a flexibility premium as in Germany, see faster growth of these applications. The rise of carbon prices and the demand for negative emissions, such as through BECCS, can also make bioenergy financially more attractive.
Flexible bioenergy offers a unique combination of immediate usability and long-term storage possibilities. This makes it a valuable addition to other renewable sources. Whether this potential is actually used depends on smart choices in market design, infrastructure and policy.
Download the full report at ieabioenergy.com: Technologies for Flexible Bioenergy (Updated)
