Task 39 (Biofuels to Decarbonize Transport) published a new policy brief exploring two case studies on CO2 utilization in #bioethanol production. The first looks at Brazil, where CO2 from sugar-to-ethanol fermentation can produce ethanol with negative emissions (-8.5 gCO2e/MJ) using BECCS, though challenges in hydrogen production remain. The second case focuses on China’s steel industry, where exhaust gases (CO2, CO, H2) are used to create bioethanol. An optimized process significantly reduces carbon emissions, but high energy consumption remains a key hurdle. The challenges listed for the two case studies of this report highlight the need for continued research and technological advancements to enhance the energy efficiency and economic viability of ethanol production via industrial exhaust gas. The brief recommends the creation of incentives for BECCS in ethanol production, particularly given the high purity of CO2 from sugar-to-ethanol fermentation, which lowers CCS costs associated with the capture process. Read more and download the full document 🔗

🌱 COUNTRY REPORT: Implementation of bioenergy in Austria 🇦🇹 – 2024 update • Renewables represent 34% of Austria’s final energy consumption in 2022. Around 55% of renewable energy in Austria is generated from #biomass. • For its fossil fuel consumption (oil, coal and gas), #Austria is 90 to 100% reliant on imports. In contrast, for bioenergy carriers and waste import dependency varied between -2% and 8% in the past decade, so it makes a major contribution to energy security. • The main application of #bioenergy is in renewable heat, both in direct heating (residential, and industry) and in district heating. Over half of district heating is produced from biomass. • Electricity generation from renewable energies in Austria sum up to 78% in 2022 and 87% in 2023 (number 3 within EU). The Austrian government aims to reach 100% by 2030. • Transport is still heavily reliant on fossil fuels, particularly diesel. The role of biofuels in transport has been relatively stable around 5%. • Since 2012, there has been no major increase of renewable energy in Austria. To achieve its 2030 targets, major steps will need to be taken. Access the full Country Report here 🔗  Edited by: @LucPelkmans Country Contributions: @hannesbauer Austrian FederalMinistry for Transport, Innovation and Technology; @demoplants, Christoph Strasser and Andrea Sonnleitner, BEST - Bioenergy and Sustainable Technologies GmbH.

The SAF market is growing rapidly and, due to its inherent international character, it is subject to various (inter)national policy frameworks related to sustainability claims, in particular the reduction of greenhouse gases (GHG). Biofuels policy frameworks exhibit a diversity of underlying rules and methodologies for calculating and accounting for GHG emissions and differ in the degree of stringency and robustness. Policies use verification/certification for the implementation of these rules. IEA Bioenergy Task 39 (Biofuels to Decarbonize Transport) published a report to identify opportunities for policy makers to increase the robustness of GHG related verification/certification aspects in international biofuel supply chains, especially for SAF. Key takeouts: - Policy differences create a challenge for international SAF supply chains as feedstocks and SAF batches need to fulfill all the sustainability requirements set out in any policy where they may be used. - There is a risk regarding double counting of GHG savings. This could lead to higher reported total GHG savings than actually achieved in practice. - An opportunity to increase the robustness of SAF policy frameworks is to ensure a level playing field and harmonized implementation rules to the greatest extent possible. Read more and download the full report 🔗

Decarbonizing transport is key to meeting global climate goals! 🚆✈️🚢 Advanced biofuels play a crucial role in reducing emissions and integrating renewable energy into the sector. 📊 IEA Bioenergy Task 39 (Biofuels to Decarbonize Transport) set up a database that, as of the November 2024 update, comprises 258 facilities producing advanced biofuels using technologies such as hydrotreatment, fermentation, gasification, and pyrolysis. 💡 Key Takeaways: ✅ Advantages of advanced biofuels: Advanced biofuels pose many advantages like the variety of technologies and feedstocks/residues that can be used, the possible integration in existing fleets and infrastructure and their high energy density and storability. ✅ Need for commercialization: For commercialization of advanced biofuels it is necessary to demonstrate and scale-up, as well as building up capacity and production volumes. The reduction of costs and financial risks is essential and long-term policies and comprehensive strategies are needed to lead the way to commercialization. ✅ Promising opportunities and developments: The promising opportunities and positive developments for advanced biofuels are the increasing demand and production in emerging economies and the defossilization in long-distance transport, like in the aviation, maritime and heavy-duty sector. 👉 Scaling up biofuels is a global challenge, but with the right strategies, they can revolutionize transport sustainability. Read more on our website and download the full report 🔗

📧 Don't miss IEA Bioenergy News, the newsletter of IEA Bioenergy. 👉 This issue covers the ExCo94 meeting held on 21-22 October 2024 in São Paulo, Brazil. It also features a Task Focus by Task 36, the Notice board, and recent publications and upcoming events. Download available here 🔗

🌱 COUNTRY REPORT: Implementation of bioenergy in Australia 🇦🇺 – 2024 update - Fossil fuels still dominate Australia’s energy mix, with oil, coal, and gas leading the supply. In 2022, the share of renewables in final energy consumption reached nearly 15%. Biomass accounts for about one-third of renewable energy, primarily used for industrial heat. - Australia is a major coal and natural gas exporter, but relies on imports for 50% of its oil consumption. Meanwhile, all bioenergy is sourced domestically, highlighting an opportunity for greater energy independence. - Despite its large land area and low population density, Australia's bioenergy potential remains largely untapped. More progress is possible in expanding the use of solid biomass, liquid biofuels, biogas, and waste-to-energy solutions. - Electricity generation remains dependent on fossil fuels, with coal providing 50% and gas 20% of total power. Wind and solar power are growing, bioelectricity plays only a minor role. - Transport is overwhelmingly reliant on fossil fuels (98%), with biofuels contributing less than 0.5%. Diesel consumption is on the rise, while gasoline, LPG, and aviation fuel use have declined in recent years. Biofuel mandates exist in two states but are not enforced. - A major milestone for the industry is the imminent release of the National Bioenergy Roadmap by the Commonwealth Government. This roadmap will define bioenergy’s role in Australia’s clean energy transition, helping to unlock its full potential. 👉 With the right policies and investments, Australia has a significant opportunity to scale up bioenergy and drive a more sustainable energy future. Access the full Country Report here 🔗  Edited by: @LucPelkmans Country Contributions: @MBrown_FIRC_USC @UniscThe5294

The heterogenous composition of mixed plastic wastes poses challenges for high quality recycling and for that reason they tend to end up being incinerated or landfilled, losing with it resources and creating negative environmental impacts. Last November, Task 36 (Material and Energy Valorisation of Waste in a Circular Economy) hosted a webinar showcasing advanced technical solutions for sustainably valorizing plastic waste and advancing circular economy efforts. Here are the main findings: ✅ Future plastic waste sorting should focus on polymer content and contamination level rather than polymer type. ✅ Advanced sorting technologies improve recycling efficiency, but better waste collection, material design, and behavioral changes are also crucial for a circular economy. ✅ Pyrolysis, including ARCUS’s process, effectively processes mixed plastic waste into high-quality chemical feedstock. ✅ Thermal systems like fluidized bed steam cracking can expand feedstock options, reduce sorting needs, and simplify refinery processing. Read a detailed summary and watch the video 🔗

In the @IEA Net Zero Emissions by 2050 (NZE) roadmap, biomass will provide around 100 EJ of energy, up from 60 EJ today. Task 45 (Climate and Sustainability Effects of Bioenergy within the Circular Bioeconomy) provided a a commentary on the role of bioenergy in the energy transition, and implications on the global use of biomass. 👉 Sourcing Biomass: 60% of the required biomass will come from waste and residues (agriculture, forestry, industrial by-products, organic waste), while 40% will come from dedicated bioenergy crops. 👉 Land Use: Bioenergy crops will occupy 140 million hectares (3% of global agricultural area) by 2050, well within sustainable land availability. Sector-Specific Impacts: 🔌 Electricity: Biomass can support renewable power grids (5% of electricity from bioenergy) and enhance decarbonization efforts through bio-CHP systems. 🛫 Transport: Biofuels will replace fossil fuels in road transport, aviation (SAF), maritime shipping, and long-distance heavy-duty transport (renewable diesel). 🏭 Industry: Biomass will replace fossil fuels in industrial processes and metallurgical applications, also providing heat for industrial use. 🌎 Climate Benefits: ✅ Negative Emissions: Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS) can offset residual emissions, including those from agriculture. ✅ Biochar: A by-product of thermal treatment, biochar is a stable carbon sink, contributing significantly to climate mitigation when used in soil. ✅ Biogenic CO2 Management: Unlike fossil CO2, biogenic CO2 emissions should be assessed by accounting for the carbon uptake during plant growth, offering a more sustainable climate impact. 🌲 Sustainable Forest Management: Harvesting biomass helps rejuvenate forests, support carbon uptake, and reduce wildfire risks. Combined with BECCS, it effectively stores carbon in geological formations, ensuring long-term climate benefits. Read more on our website 🔗

The #sustainability of #bioenergy systems has been widely studied, emphasizing the need for standardized assessments of their environmental, social, and economic impacts, particularly given the anticipated growth in the sector. While #biofuels and #bioproducts are often promoted for their socio-economic benefits at local and national levels, these claims frequently lack clear, quantifiable evidence. 👉 IEA Bioenergy carried out a stock-taking report with the contribution of different Tasks, with a literature review of 148 recent publications examined indicators to measure social, economic, and environmental benefits associated with bioenergy production. A virtual workshop engaged 40+ experts in assessing bioenergy sustainability. Main findings ✅ No single indicator captures the breadth of social or economic sustainability. It is important that individual projects be assessed using appropriate indicators in each case. Communities and local stakeholders are best situated to identify appropriate indicators and to provide guidance on how they are used in assessing projects. ✅ Often literature focuses on broader community impacts but neglects the need to find projects that actually make economic sense and deliver value. It is important that indicators include pragmatic measures such as the financial viability of a bioenergy project and the cost of CO2 mitigation/abatement. ✅ A wide range of methodologies are observed in the literature, which means that assessments of bioenergy sustainability are often difficult to compare. IEA Bioenergy may be able to provide guidance on the methodologies being used, while not prescribing specific indicators. Guidance is needed to help determine appropriate system boundaries, and to determine the functional units being used in assessments. Read more on our website 🔗

🌱 COUNTRY REPORT: Implementation of bioenergy in the European Union 🇪🇺 – 2024 update This report provides a comprehensive overview of the EU27's energy landscape. Here are some key highlights: RENEWABLE ENERGY PROGRESS: ✅ In 2022, #renewables made up 22% of final energy consumption in the EU27, of which 60% from #biomass, thereby still representing the dominant type of renewable. ✅ 39% of electricity production in 2022 was renewable, including a stable share of hydropower, a slightly growing amount of biomass (now at 6% of EU power), and fast growing shares of wind, and solar. 👉 Still high share of fossil oil and gas in the EU energy mix, with high energy import dependency: ✅ Energy supply in the #EU still relies for around 70% on fossil fuels, particularly oil and gas, with a high import dependency from outside the EU: 95% for oil, 88% for gas, and 53% for coal. This makes EU’s energy and economy vulnerable. ✅ Heat production was still for almost 70% based on fossil fuels in 2022; fossil fuels also remain dominant (~90%) in transport energy. BIOENERGY'S ROLE: ✅ In contrast to fossil fuels, #bioenergy carriers and waste had low import dependency (below 5%) and significantly contribute to energy security in several EU countries. In fact, the production of bioenergy carriers in the EU is at similar level as the combined domestic production of crude oil, natural gas and coal in the EU. ✅ Solid #biofuels (for residential use, industry use, and for transformation to power and/or heat) dominate bioenergy supply (70%), with liquid biofuels, #biogas, and renewable waste also playing key roles. ✅ Transport: Biobased diesel (7.2% of diesel consumption) and bioethanol (4.7% of gasoline consumption) have grown, with biofuels from waste and residues (particularly used oils) accounting for almost 40% of total biofuel use. Biodiesel and bioethanol blends (B7 and E10) are widely available in EU member states. ✅ Biogas represents 4-5% of total gas consumption in the EU. The main growth is now in #biomethane production (for injection in the gas grid), driven by EU strategies to reduce reliance on Russian gas. Read the full Country Report on our website 🔗   Edited by: @LucPelkmans @EU_Commission Contributions: Biljana Kulisic, Maria Georgiadou, Marco Buffi

A comprehensive assessment of bioenergy requires an approach which considers all three pillars of sustainability: environmental, economic and social. Among these, the social impacts remain the least explored, often overshadowed by the environmental and economic dimensions. Social Life Cycle Assessment (S-LCA) is a methodology used to assess the social impacts of products and services across their life cycle. S-LCA applies LCA methodology and systematic assessment but combines it with social science methodologies; with impact categories focusing on direct positive and/or negative impact on key stakeholders during the life cycle of a product. The IEA Bioenergy Task 36 (Material and Energy Valorisation of Waste in a Circular Economy) has published a comprehensive Literature Review on Social Life Cycle Assessment (S-LCA), offering a detailed analysis of how bioenergy projects influence society. From community well-being to fair labor practices, this report highlights the methodologies, challenges, and opportunities in evaluating the social dimensions of bioenergy systems. 🔎 Whether you're a researcher, policymaker, or industry professional, this review provides valuable insights for fostering sustainable and socially responsible bioenergy development. Read more 🔗

Residential solid biofuels combustion – continuous improvement over time Combustion of solid #biofuels in stoves and boilers (<100 kW) contributes significantly to space and domestic water heating in residential dwellings in many countries over the globe. It provides a non-electrified source of energy for space and water heating which helps maintain the reliability of electrical grids that will face growing demands in future from different sectors. It can also support regional energy security for many communities through the use of locally and sustainably sourced #biomass resources. It can be combined with other heating technologies, e.g. air-to-air heat pumps and solar heating, to meet the heat demand in an optimum way throughout the whole year. Types of solid biofuels and appliances commonly used in residential heating applications include firewood in wood stoves, inserts and wood log boilers and wood pellets in pellet stoves and pellet boilers. Residential solid biofuels combustion – continuous improvement over time is the second in a series of factsheets prepared by #IEABioenergy. These factsheets aim to inform and engage readers by addressing the key issues related to #bioenergy, fostering greater awareness of its potential and challenges. Through these resources, IEA Bioenergy seeks to bridge the knowledge gap and promote the adoption of bioenergy solutions in the context of a global shift towards renewable energy. Find out more on our website 🔗

🌱 COUNTRY REPORT : Implementation of #bioenergy in the United States 🇺🇸 – 2024 update The latest update from the IEA Bioenergy highlights the critical role of bioenergy in the U.S.'s journey to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Here are some key takeaways: ✅ Bioenergy represents half of renewables: In 2022, renewables made up 11.5% of final energy consumption, with 50% derived from #biomass, mainly for industrial heat and transport fuels. Biobased electricity only has a modest role. ✅ Focus on Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF): Major efforts are underway to scale #SAF as part of the U.S. SAF Grand Challenge. ✅ Still high share of fossil oil and gas in the energy mix, energy import dependency very low: Domestic production of oil, gas and coal now covers U.S. fossil fuel needs, with exports of natural gas on the rise. Bioenergy also largely relies on domestic production and provides opportunities for the U.S. economy. ✅ Room for Growth: The U.S. has significant untapped potential in solid biomass, #biogas, and renewable municipal solid waste, as confirmed in the 2023 Billion-Ton Report. Bioenergy will be indispensable to achieve the country’s ambitious climate goals, particularly for hard-to-decarbonize sectors like aviation. Access the full Country Report here 🔗

🏆 BEST PRACTICE 👉 Waste2Value represents a research and demonstration initiative driving the use of waste residues to produce hydrogen-rich syngas. In this frame waste fuels such as sewage sludge, industrial residues, waste wood and biogenic residues are converted into a valuable syngas. In a second process step, the syngas is upgraded into valuable products such as liquid fuels (high quality diesel and kerosene) or chemicals. The hashtag#Waste2Value concept is currently being demonstrated at the Syngas Platform Vienna of BEST - Bioenergy and Sustainable Technologies GmbH. Read more about it on this report by Task 44 (Flexible Bioenergy and System Integration) report 🔗

As a new triennium begins, we are pleased to announce a few changes in IEA Bioenergy leadership team. Professor @MBrown_FIRC_USC from the University of the Sunshine Coast, Australia, has been elected as the new Chair, succeeding Dina Bacovsky @demoplants of BEST - Bioenergy and Sustainable Technologies GmbH and Sustainable Technologies, Austria. Assisting him there will be two Vice-Chairs: Birger Kerckow of Fachagentur Nachwachsende Rohstoffe e.V. (FNR), Germany, who continues in this role, and Anna Malmström of the Swedish Energy Agency, Sweden. @EricvdHeuvel of @studiogearup, The Netherlands, has been appointed as the new Technical Coordinator, taking over from @LucPelkmans of Caprea Sustainable Solutions, Belgium. We extend our sincere gratitude to Dina and Luc for their invaluable contributions and wish the new leadership team every success in advancing sustainable bioenergy solutions globally. For more details, visit the official announcement here 🔗

📣 The IEA Bioenergy: Countries’ Report – update 2024 is out! The updated IEA Bioenergy Country Reports show the trends of #bioenergy in the #IEABioenergy member countries up to 2022, highlighting the role of bioenergy in their energy mix. The analysis is based on data from the 2024 IEA World Energy Balances and Renewables Information, combined with input provided by the IEA Bioenergy Executive Committee members. The individual country reports are available as separate reports and are available at 🔗 The summary report ‘IEA Bioenergy Countries’ Report – update 2024: Implementation of bioenergy in the IEA Bioenergy member countries’ presents a comparative overview of the results for the different countries. Main highlights of the summary report: –  Oil, natural gas and coal still play a dominating role in most countries. The share of renewable energy is growing; in many countries bioenergy still represents more than half of its renewable energy. –  Each country has specific characteristics impacting their potential for bioenergy and other renewables. –  Solid biomass remains the dominating type of biomass used for energy in all countries, but its level is stabilizing. Liquid biofuels and biogas/biomethane are on the rise. – Bioenergy plays a role in the three main energy sectors: electricity, heat consumption and transport energy consumption. Particularly for heat and transport, bioenergy/biofuels are the dominant renewable energy type. Find out more details and download the summary report on our website 🔗

#Biomass gasification converts solid biomass such as wood from forestry and landscape management, straw, lignocellulosic residues etc. in one or more conversion steps into a burnable gas, referred to as syngas, synthesis gas, product gas or producer gas. #Gasification processes themselves are quite flexible regarding the use of feedstock. The syngas can be used for more efficient and flexible electricity (and heat) production. Further, different chemicals and chemical energy carriers can be produced from the gas, such as methane, hydrogen, FT-diesel and methanol. This facilitates the transport, storage, and use of bioenergy in different sectors such as transport and chemical industry. Finally, inherently biogenic CO2 is produced and it can be used, even in a flexible way, for sequestration (i.e. negative emissions) or together with renewable hydrogen in PtX processes, i.e. allowing for (even seasonal) energy storage. The Nong Bua plant in Nakhon Sawan, Thailand uses Dual Fluidized Bed (DFB) gasification technology, based on a technology developed in Austria and installed at 8 MWth in Güssing. New engineering design and improvements from the Güssing plant were implemented on certain equipment in the Nong Bua plant. The developments included improved fuel feeding system, biomass dryer, gasifier design, tar scrubber design, and heat exchanger system. With these improvements, the 3.8 MWth prototype DFB gasifier has been the first of its kind plant that can be operated with several different biomass resources such as wood chips, sugarcane leaf, corncob, and other renewable biomass resources. The case study was prepared by Task 44 (Flexible Bioenergy and System Integration), together with Task 33 (Gasification of Biomass and Waste). Read more 🔗

Happy Holidays from IEA Bioenergy!