US Department of Energy publishes National Renewable Energy Lab Report
Last week the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (overseen by the US Department of Energy) published a study that highlighted the supply side options required to deliver Biden's goal of 100% clean energy by 2035.
In terms of BECCS, the study said that, by 2035, the US will require 100Mt of negative emissions from BECCS to offset remaining positive carbon emissions in the power sector.
The Department of Energy confirmed its view that BECCS is woody biomass with post-combustion CCS, stating "BECCS results in a net negative emissions rate because carbon from the atmosphere is captured during photosynthesis and then sequestered after combustion."
The report further stated that, to reach 100% clean electricity by 2035, deployment of BECCS must start by 2026 and the installed capacity range must be between 7 and 14GW.
Because BECCS as a capacity multiplier, it said 7-14GW of BECCS can offset 250-375GW of fossil fuel, and that 105 million dry tonnes of sustainable woody biomass fibre is available to be mobilised each year.
In the "contrained" scenario, BECCS deploys ahead of DAC, highlighting it is viewed as the most efficient and effective form of CCS.
Will Gardiner, CEO of Drax, responded to the findings: “The evidence couldn’t be any clearer – only through deploying BECCS at scale can the United States cut its carbon emissions while simultaneously benefitting from reliable, homegrown renewable power to strengthen its energy independence.
“BECCS is vital because it can produce reliable renewable power whilst also permanently removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere – no other technology does both.
“Drax is the world’s leader in developing power BECCS, having been the first company in the world to capture carbon dioxide from purely biomass combustion. We have been making very encouraging progress towards in delivering BECCS in North America and progressing with site selection, government engagement and technology development.
“With the right support from governments, such as the increase in the level of support for carbon removal projects in the Inflation Reduction Act, we stand ready to invest billions in deploying BECCS at scale across the globe to cut carbon emissions and generate renewable power for millions of homes and businesses.”
In terms of BECCS, the study said that, by 2035, the US will require 100Mt of negative emissions from BECCS to offset remaining positive carbon emissions in the power sector.
The Department of Energy confirmed its view that BECCS is woody biomass with post-combustion CCS, stating "BECCS results in a net negative emissions rate because carbon from the atmosphere is captured during photosynthesis and then sequestered after combustion."
The report further stated that, to reach 100% clean electricity by 2035, deployment of BECCS must start by 2026 and the installed capacity range must be between 7 and 14GW.
Because BECCS as a capacity multiplier, it said 7-14GW of BECCS can offset 250-375GW of fossil fuel, and that 105 million dry tonnes of sustainable woody biomass fibre is available to be mobilised each year.
In the "contrained" scenario, BECCS deploys ahead of DAC, highlighting it is viewed as the most efficient and effective form of CCS.
Will Gardiner, CEO of Drax, responded to the findings: “The evidence couldn’t be any clearer – only through deploying BECCS at scale can the United States cut its carbon emissions while simultaneously benefitting from reliable, homegrown renewable power to strengthen its energy independence.
“BECCS is vital because it can produce reliable renewable power whilst also permanently removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere – no other technology does both.
“Drax is the world’s leader in developing power BECCS, having been the first company in the world to capture carbon dioxide from purely biomass combustion. We have been making very encouraging progress towards in delivering BECCS in North America and progressing with site selection, government engagement and technology development.
“With the right support from governments, such as the increase in the level of support for carbon removal projects in the Inflation Reduction Act, we stand ready to invest billions in deploying BECCS at scale across the globe to cut carbon emissions and generate renewable power for millions of homes and businesses.”
