New Supergen Bioenergy Hub report explores research and innovation needs for biomass to energy with carbon capture and storage
Biomass to energy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) is an essential technology for the UK to meet its climate targets. The UK pathway to net zero by 2050 described in the Climate Change Committee (CCC) 6th Carbon Budget requires an engineered emissions removals of 58 Mt pa by 2050. BECCS has the largest potential with different types of BECCS together contributing 52 Mt pa removal by 2050.
On January 15 2021, we gathered together relevant stakeholders to discuss the challenges and issues surrounding biomass to energy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) in order to assist the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) with definition of priorities for their new programme. We selected a set of 30 academics, 35 industrialists and 8 contacts from government departments and funding bodies to invite to the meeting, as we knew they are active in the topic area. Approximately 48 attended with 16 from industry, 10 from government/funders and the remainder from academia.
After introductory presentations from the Hub and EPSRC that introduced the scope for the meeting, the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy gave an overview of what is happening with BECCS in relation to the Biomass Strategy. Following this, a panel of four people from industry presented their priorities and challenges for BECCS, then academics were then given the opportunity to speak for 2 minutes each on their top priorities and challenges.
The main challenges outlined by contributors were captured and formed the basis of this Supergen Bioenergy Hub report which outlines the research and innovation needs for BECCS. We would like to thank those who attended the workshop for their contributions to the formation of this report.
