Modern bioenergy plays a key role in the global energy transition. This is evident from the 2024 annual report of IEA Bioenergy, an international partnership under the umbrella of the International Energy Agency (IEA). The report emphasizes that available biomass is limited and should therefore be focused on applications that yield the greatest climate benefits. However, the global scale-up is lagging behind what is needed to achieve net-zero emissions in 2050.
According to the IEA’s Net Zero scenario, the use of modern bioenergy must triple by 2050. This means that the sector must grow significantly, while at the same time traditional, polluting forms of biomass use are phased out. One of the biggest challenges in this is the availability of sufficient and sustainable biomass. The logistics and infrastructure surrounding the supply of residual flows and crops on marginal lands in particular deserve attention.
Policy, technology and prioritization
IEA Bioenergy advocates prioritising applications with the highest climate impact. Think of heavy transport, aviation and industry, where alternatives such as electrification are less obvious. Technologies that can handle low-quality biomass deserve extra support.
A stable and stimulating government policy is essential. Investments in bioenergy production will only get off the ground with clear policy objectives, good sales prospects and access to financing. Without a long-term vision, scaling up will not happen. At the same time, bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) offers a unique combination: it supplies renewable energy and can remove net CO2 from the atmosphere. This makes it a valuable technology in the pursuit of climate neutrality.
Flexibility and international cooperation
A striking theme in the report is the role of flexible bioenergy. By deploying biomass depending on availability and energy demand, it can be an important addition to solar and wind. International examples show how this flexibility in practice ensures more stable grids and seasonal storage.
During the joint conference with BBEST in São Paulo it became clear again that countries in the global south, such as Brazil and India, can play a key role thanks to their biomass potential. However, this requires responsible development, with attention to local context and sustainability.
IEA Bioenergy wants to focus on a broader system approach in the coming years. Not only bioenergy, but also hydrogen, CO2 reuse and circular applications are central. In this way, the sector must contribute to a resilient and climate-neutral energy system.
