Diversity of biomass usage pathways to achieve emissions targets in the European energy system

Abstract

Biomass is a versatile renewable energy source with applications across the energy system, but it is a limited resource and its usage needs prioritization. We use a sector-coupled European energy system model to explore near-optimal solutions for achieving emissions targets. We find that provision of biogenic carbon has higher value than bioenergy provision. Energy system costs increase by 20% if biomass is excluded at a net-negative (−110%) emissions target and by 14% at a net-zero target. Dispatchable bioelectricity covering ~1% of total electricity generation strengthens supply reliability. Otherwise, it is not crucial in which sector biomass is used, if combined with carbon capture to enable negative emissions and feedstock for e-fuel production. A shortage of renewable electricity or hydrogen supply primarily increases the value of using biomass for fuel production. Results are sensitive to upstream emissions of biomass, carbon sequestration capacity and costs of direct air capture.

Key findings

• ▸Provision of biogenic carbon has higher value than bioenergy provision.
• ▸Energy system costs increase by 20% if biomass is excluded at a net-negative (-110%) emissions target and by 14% at a net-zero target.
• ▸Dispatchable bioelectricity covering ~1% of total electricity generation strengthens supply reliability.

Keywords

Identifiers

DOI

10.1038/s41560-024-01693-6

Journal

Nature Energy

Year

2025