24 CO 2 Removal Using the Sun and Forest: An Environmental Life …
373
Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) scenarios assume large-scale deployment of carbon
negative technologies, including BECCS (Muri 2018). In terms of the potential CO 2
capability of BECCS when used in collaboration with other carbon removal strategies, (Psarras et al. 2017) estimates some 12 giga-tons (Gt) per annum, the same
amount as offered by direct air capture at about 1/6th the cost. Along with land
management (the cheapest method of CO 2 removal, with moderate removal capacity),
BECCS is likely to play a large role in any future carbon negative technology package.
In light of the likelihood of BECCS deployment, a number of national, regional and
global case studies have emerged, measuring emission reduction and energy provision capacity, along with policy considerations. The literature review is presented in
three parts, beginning with national and international considerations of BECCS, CSP
and BECCS precedents, and the need for a carbon tax to enable these technologies.
24.2.1 National and International BECCS Research
In Australia, a nation with one of the highest per capita GHG emissions among
developed nations, is a signatory to the Paris Agreement, intending to reduce emissions by 26–28% below 2005 levels by 2030 (Australian Government 2015). In order
to achieve this ambitious target, renewable energy-based generation is expected to
play a significant role. Should the supporting technology of CCS, and the bioenergy
sector play a complementary role, BECCS may provide a significant contribution to
the supply of energy and reduction of emissions in Australia (Pour et al. 2018). Based
on the availability of utilizable biomass in Australia, it is estimated that BECCS could
contribute approximately 25 million tons (Mt) of CO 2 per annum in negative emissions while providing 13.7 terawatt hours (TWh) of clean electricity (approximately
3.5% of the projected gross 2050 electricity generation total). In addition to negative
emissions and the provision of electricity, BECCS adds flexibility to Australia’s fossil
fuel dominated energy portfolio. In order for BECCS to be successful in Australia,
policies which support renewable energy will need to be extended to BECCS to
improve its economic feasibility, while stakeholder engagement is seen as necessary
to improve the acceptability of this new technology (Pour et al. 2018).
Brazil, on the other hand has a relatively high renewable energy contribution
to its energy system, some 47%, along with significant production of ethanol from
sugarcane as an automotive flex-fuel and bioelectricity source. BECCS offers Brazil a
technology to enable the removal of carbon in the ethanol fuel cycle, estimated at 27.7
Mt of CO2 per annum, or 5% of emissions arising from energy production (Moreira
et al. 2016). Brazil’s intended NDC aims to reduce GHG emissions by 43% below
2005 levels by 2030, requiring significant action in increasing biofuel consumption,
land use and the reform of the energy, agriculture, industry and transportation sectors
(Federative Republic of Brazil 2015). For BECCS to play a role in this future energy
vision, financial feasibility needs to be improved through exports of advanced and
certified ethanol to the United States (US) and the European Union (EU), respectively,
373
Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) scenarios assume large-scale deployment of carbon
negative technologies, including BECCS (Muri 2018). In terms of the potential CO 2
capability of BECCS when used in collaboration with other carbon removal strategies, (Psarras et al. 2017) estimates some 12 giga-tons (Gt) per annum, the same
amount as offered by direct air capture at about 1/6th the cost. Along with land
management (the cheapest method of CO 2 removal, with moderate removal capacity),
BECCS is likely to play a large role in any future carbon negative technology package.
In light of the likelihood of BECCS deployment, a number of national, regional and
global case studies have emerged, measuring emission reduction and energy provision capacity, along with policy considerations. The literature review is presented in
three parts, beginning with national and international considerations of BECCS, CSP
and BECCS precedents, and the need for a carbon tax to enable these technologies.
24.2.1 National and International BECCS Research
In Australia, a nation with one of the highest per capita GHG emissions among
developed nations, is a signatory to the Paris Agreement, intending to reduce emissions by 26–28% below 2005 levels by 2030 (Australian Government 2015). In order
to achieve this ambitious target, renewable energy-based generation is expected to
play a significant role. Should the supporting technology of CCS, and the bioenergy
sector play a complementary role, BECCS may provide a significant contribution to
the supply of energy and reduction of emissions in Australia (Pour et al. 2018). Based
on the availability of utilizable biomass in Australia, it is estimated that BECCS could
contribute approximately 25 million tons (Mt) of CO 2 per annum in negative emissions while providing 13.7 terawatt hours (TWh) of clean electricity (approximately
3.5% of the projected gross 2050 electricity generation total). In addition to negative
emissions and the provision of electricity, BECCS adds flexibility to Australia’s fossil
fuel dominated energy portfolio. In order for BECCS to be successful in Australia,
policies which support renewable energy will need to be extended to BECCS to
improve its economic feasibility, while stakeholder engagement is seen as necessary
to improve the acceptability of this new technology (Pour et al. 2018).
Brazil, on the other hand has a relatively high renewable energy contribution
to its energy system, some 47%, along with significant production of ethanol from
sugarcane as an automotive flex-fuel and bioelectricity source. BECCS offers Brazil a
technology to enable the removal of carbon in the ethanol fuel cycle, estimated at 27.7
Mt of CO2 per annum, or 5% of emissions arising from energy production (Moreira
et al. 2016). Brazil’s intended NDC aims to reduce GHG emissions by 43% below
2005 levels by 2030, requiring significant action in increasing biofuel consumption,
land use and the reform of the energy, agriculture, industry and transportation sectors
(Federative Republic of Brazil 2015). For BECCS to play a role in this future energy
vision, financial feasibility needs to be improved through exports of advanced and
certified ethanol to the United States (US) and the European Union (EU), respectively,