Increasing the climate benefits of bioenergy by including the carbon opportunity cost of biomass in energy system models

Bioenergy is a crucial component to achieve ambitious climate goals. However, bioenergy also carries the risk of greenhouse gas emissions due to land use change, and the magnitude of these emissions depends on the type of feedstock and its origin.
Most energy system models that analyze future energy scenarios assume that all bioenergy sources are carbon-neutral. In this project, we aim to utilize two reputable models to calculate the carbon alternative cost for various bioenergy resources. Subsequently, these estimates will be implemented in PyPSA, a leading European energy system model. This approach allows us to analyze which bioenergy resources contribute to a climate-friendly energy system and determine the sectors where these resources can be best utilized.
The project contributes to both important methodological advancements and insights that are crucial for future policy decisions. A broad reference group will be involved and a stakeholder workshop will conclude the project.

Lina Reichenberg
Chalmers tekniska högskola
lina.reichenberg@chalmers.se
Project information
Participants
Chalmers
Time schedule
November 2023 - December 2025
Total cost of project
1 445 000 SEK
Swedish Energy Agency project number
2023-00842
More projects

Biogas production from pelleted and briquetted straw, roadside grass and reeds
The EU Commission has a target of production of 350 TWh biomethane by 2030, and in Sweden a target of 10 TWh…
Manager: Anders Hjort
Ongoing

An insects biorefinery approach as a strategy to unlock the nutritional and energy potential in co-located lignocellulosic industrial side streams (UNLOCK)
The UNLOCK project aims to meet the EU’s Renewable Energby Directive (RED) II by transforming Brewer’s Spent Grain (BSG) into advanced biofuels…
Manager: Paul Christakopoulos
Ongoing

From forest to low greenhouse gas jet fuels with a developed catalytic pyrolysis technology
Bio-oils produced from wood by existing conversion technologies (e.g. pyrolysis) are incompatible with current jet engines and fuel infrastructure. Bio-oil instability, corrosivity,…
Manager: Hoda Shafaghat
Ongoing