Abstract
AbstractThe transition to a sustainable bio‐based economy is perceived as a valid path towards low‐carbon development for emerging economies that have rich biomass resources. In the case of Colombia, the role of biomass has been tackled through qualitative roadmaps and regional climate policy assessments. However, neither of these approaches has addressed the complexity of the bio‐based economy systematically in the wider context of emission mitigation and energy and chemicals supply. In response to this limitation, we extended a bottom‐up energy system optimization model by adding a comprehensive database of novel bio‐based value chains. We included advanced road and aviation biofuels, (bio)chemicals, bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS), and integrated biorefinery configurations. A scenario analysis was conducted for the period 2015–2050, which reflected uncertainties in the capacity for technological learning, climate policy ambitions, and land availability for energy crops. Our results indicate that biomass can play an important, even if variable, role in supplying 315–760 PJ/y of modern bio‐based products. In pursuit of a deep decarbonization trajectory, the large‐scale mobilization of biomass resources can reduce the cost of the energy system by up to 11 billion $/year, the marginal abatement cost by 62%, and the potential reliance on imports of oil and chemicals in the future. The mitigation potential of BECCS can reach 24–29% of the cumulative avoided emissions between 2015 and 2050. The proposed system analysis framework can provide detailed quantitative information on the role of biomass in low carbon development of emerging economies. © 2020 The Authors. Biofuels, Bioproducts, and Biorefining published by Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Highlights
The aim of this paper is to explore the potential contribution of bio-based economy (BBE) options, including bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS), to the low carbon supply of energy and chemicals in emerging economies that have significant potential for production and use of primary biomass resources
The purpose of this research was to explore the potential contribution of bio-based economy (BBE) options, including bioenergy with carbon capture and storage BECCS, to the supply of energy and chemicals, as well as greenhouse gases (GHG) emission mitigation in emerging economies
An optimization modeling system analysis framework was demonstrated for the case of Colombia
Summary
The stabilization of atmospheric greenhouse gases (GHG) requires a profound transformation of the global energy supply towards renewable sources.[1,2] Bioenergy (BE), carbon capture and storage (CCS), and their combination (BECCS), could play an important role in this transformation, especially the latter technology, owing to its net negative emission balance.[1,3,4,5,6,7] biomass can be used in diverse applications, including sectors with limited renewable substitutes for fossil fuels, such as aviation fuels and chemicals.[8,9,10]The terms ‘bio-based economy’ (BBE) and ‘bioeconomy’ have been used increasingly within different narratives.[11]. For emerging economies with high potential for producing primary biomass resources, the transition to a sustainable bio-based economy (BBE) could be instrumental in achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs) and commitments under the Paris Climate Agreement.[15] Such a path may be viable for Latin American countries,[16,17,18] and Colombia,[19] given the country’s potential for supplying biomass resources.[20] Globally, it is in a strong position as a producer of first-generation (1G) biomass feedstock,[21] and it has a well-established biofuel industry.[22]
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