IEA - Bioenergy Tracking Report
In September 2022, IEA published a tracking report on bioenergy, a crucial player in the path towards a Net Zero Scenario.
Several developments in the use of bioenergy are required to remain in line with the path to Net Zero. Some of the most important advances will need to be an increase in liquid biofuel consumption, in particular the use of biojet kerosene in air travel; expansion of bioenergy use in industry and for electricity generation; and the employment of bioenergy with carbon capture and storage.
One of the key points highlighted in the report is the need to replace traditional biomass uses with modern bioenergy. To meet the SDG 7 on Affordable and Clean Energy, traditional biomass utilization must fall to zero by 2030. In turn, modern bioenergy usage should nearly double from 2021 to 2030. By replacing traditional biomass practices in rural areas with biogas digesters, bioethanol, and solid biomass employed in modern cookstoves, over 350 million households would have access to clean cooking solutions. Furthermore, the transition towards modern bioenergy will bring further benefits including job creation, income increase, as well as improved air quality and waste management.
However, the report also stresses that bioenergy production is not inherently sustainable. Unsustainable production of bioenergy can have various negative consequences encompassing inefficient land use and resulting competition, price-setting on food commodities, disruption of biodiversity and even net increases in emissions. As a result, the Net Zero Scenario does not entail any cropland expansion nor conversion of forested land for bioenergy crop production. In fact, the Scenario depicts 60% of bioenergy stemming from waste and residues in 2030.
Several countries have placed their focus on bioenergy. Nevertheless, more needs to be done. Recommendations to policy makers include ensuring sustainable bioenergy production through appropriate frameworks, incentivizing the use of bioenergy through exclusive policies, and designing these considering the strengths and weaknesses of bioenergy. Both policy makers and private sector are advised to develop waste to energy systems and integrate waste management strategies to produce liquid biofuels.


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