IEA Bioenergy is asking researchers and practitioners to share recent insights on the role of bioenergy in pathways to net zero and net negative. The call focuses on two areas: how bioenergy systems interrelate with other energy systems and with land-based climate options such as reforestation, planting, and biochar; and how the supply of biomass from agriculture and forestry can grow responsibly, while respecting the environment and resilience. A selection of contributions will be invited to a workshop in Graz, following the Central European Biomass Conference in January. All submissions that fall within the scope and are publishable will be included in a report.
Questions behind the numbers
The initiators are not only looking for results, but especially for the how behind those results. In model studies, the scope for energy crops can vary significantly due to assumptions about policy, the market, and nature. A European ceiling for biofuels from food and feed has a direct impact on scenarios. Decisions regarding Article 6, paragraph 4, of the Climate Agreement can indirectly limit land-based removals through reporting and monitoring requirements. The type of model also influences the outcome. Forestry models can show carbon gains through adapted management or planting, while agricultural models can show losses due to over-harvesting of residual flows or land shifting to energy crops. The call calls for clarifying these choices so that decision-making relies less on implicit assumptions.
IEA Bioenergy provides a template. Participants are asked to provide a title, contact information, and any publications or project links. Furthermore, the template outlines the system, from geography to sectors and country options considered. Participants describe the preconditions, from policy to technology and methods, present the core outcomes with figures for climate contribution, biomass allocation, and land carbon, and identify uncertainties and limitations. Interested parties can express their interest in a Special Collection in a scientific journal. Submissions are open until November 21st via the contact addresses provided.
ieabioenergy.com
The workshop will take place from January 21st to 23rd, concurrently with the Central European Biomass Conference. There is no participation fee, but participants are responsible for their own travel and accommodation. Speakers can apply for limited support. All applicants are invited to participate, even if they are not presenting. The conference in Graz is considered one of the largest meeting places for the field. Organizers mention more than forty countries and an audience that brings together science, policy, and business.
Organizations and submission process
The call is issued by IEA Bioenergy Task 45 with support from GBEP, Chalmers University of Technology, CMCC, IIASA, and the EU project UPTAKE. Submissions should be sent by email to the coordinator at Utrecht University, with a copy to Chalmers and IIASA. Questions can be addressed to the task leader at Chalmers and the co-organizer at IIASA. The call PDF contains the exact addresses and the complete template.
Modern bioenergy is already the largest source of renewable energy worldwide. In scenarios leading up to 2050, the push to replace fossil fuels is growing rapidly, especially in sectors where options are scarce. This is precisely why transparency regarding land use, biodiversity, and social impacts is crucial. The call aims to broaden the evidence base so that policies and investments are better aligned with practical outcomes.
More information: see Bioenergy.com
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