Future Role of Bioenergy

Bioenergy is the main source of renewable energy worldwide and it is expected to continue to play a significant role in the future energy system. Biomass availability, competition between the alternative uses of biomass, as well as the sustainability issues are major concerns for bioenergy deployment. Despite large uncertainties, most estimates show that biomass is likely to be sufficient to play a significant role in the global energy supply system. Bioenergy could expand from current 56 EJ to 145 EJ by 2060, with an increased role of modern bioenergy on behalf of traditional use of biomass. Bioenergy can have a particular contribution to decarbonizing certain sectors for which there are no other options or they are very limited, such as in the freight road transport, aviation, and maritime transport. The future contribution of bioenergy depends on the capacity to mobilize large amounts of biomass. Biomass trade (either direct or indirect) would play an increasing role in the future development of bioenergy. Policy support is needed to reach the energy and climate targets and to ensure a competitive, sustainable, and secure energy. The latest developments in renewables and technology improvements led to a major decrease in the investment costs (mostly for wind and solar photovoltaic) and thus to significant cost reduction. Bioenergy can be competitive in many cases, especially when cheap or even negative cost of biomass feedstock is available. Support needs to be tailored to the technology, feedstock, and plant size. An appropriate policy framework and strong policy measures are needed to support the bioenergy and to move toward low-carbon energy system, including targets for emissions reduction, shares of renewable energy, and policies phasing out fossil fuels. Support should be differentiated between technologies, feedstock, and plant size, taking into account specific circumstances to enable balanced market development, adequate energy mix, and ensure the deployment of technologies that are at different level of development. Ensuring sustainability of biomass is a key issue in the wider context of a bio-based economy. Most studies demonstrate that the majority of bioenergy pathways have lower GHG emissions than fossil energy systems if land use changes (direct or indirect) are avoided. GHG emissions will be lower and can be close to carbon neutrality if biomass is produced with low energy input or derived from residue streams, converted with high conversion efficiency and if the energy used is renewable, including for transport. The crucial factors appear to be the amount and type of fossil fuel used to produce, transport, and process the feedstock and the efficiency in the conversion process. Bioenergy production brings significant opportunities to deliver a number of social, environmental, and economic benefits in addition to the climate and energy goals. Bioenergy provides good opportunities for agricultural markets and has the capacity to promote sustainable development in rural communities. The benefits and the impacts of biofuels or bioenergy production depend strongly on the specific context. Bioenergy synergies with food production, water, ecosystems, health, and welfare can produce multiple benefits, if properly planned and managed.