Biomass as a Targeted Tool for Hard to Decarbonize Sectors: Aviation, Industrial Heat, and Carbon Removal
devdiscourse.comA new review published in Energies argues that biomass and bioenergy deserve serious attention for sectors that cannot be decarbonized through electricity alone. The study focuses on aviation, maritime transport, cement, and steel production where renewable carbon, liquid fuels, and process heat are needed. It warns that poorly governed bioenergy can worsen land pressure and biodiversity loss, but well-governed bioenergy can support rural economies and cut fossil fuel dependence. The review identifies sustainable aviation fuels, biochar, and BECCS as credible pathways but notes each has constraints. SAF currently accounts for less than 0.3% of jet kerosene consumption. The study emphasizes that life-cycle assessment is essential to prove bioenergy's climate value, and that governance matters more than blanket support or rejection. For policymakers, the lesson is to build safeguards before markets scale, not after.