How does Bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) work?
A dual process that both generates energy and removes carbon, we take a look at the various phases of BECCS:
Bioenergy production: generating energy from biomass combustion
When bioenergy is produced, it undergoes what's known as biomass combustion. The three processes are as follows:
Heating and drying: where the water is boiled off of the biomass
Flaming combustion: where the biomass begins to break down once it reaches 200-300°C and catches fire
Char combustion: where the remaining biomass releases heat by reacting with the oxygen around it.
Carbon capture process: capturing and converting CO2
The carbon capture process is split into three distinct stages:
Pre-combustion: which deals with carbon dioxide before combustion occurs, converting fuel into H2 and CO2, e.g., via membrane separation;
Post-combustion: which deals with gases from power plants and heavy industry after fuel burning
Oxyfuel combustion: which is a process that mostly produces CO2 and water vapour utilising an oxygen-heavy environment.
Storage methods for BECCS: long-term geological carbon storage
Carbon capture and storage utilise a unique storage method called geological storage, which injects captured carbon dioxide kilometres underground, where it can be stored for thousands of years.
Benefits, innovations, and future potential of BECCS
As a carbon reduction technology, BECCS features some unique sustainability elements. We will take a look at its future place in the energy mix.
Environmental benefits of BECCS
Removal of CO₂ from the atmosphere
BECCS can remove carbon dioxide permanently from the environment and store it safely for thousands of years, making it a good solution for carbon-heavy sectors such as industry and transport.
Role in supporting global climate goals
Because of its ability to generate energy as well as remove carbon dioxide from the air, BECCS is a great double-edged tool to help achieve global climate goals. The ability to do both things at once can help an organisation move closer towards achieving net-zero and climate resilience.
Technological advancements in BECCS
Emerging technologies in carbon capture and storage
Industry already utilises biomass coal firing, but capturing the carbon dioxide from blast furnaces is still at the prototype phase, with the first cement kiln project due to be opened in 2025. Large-scale applications for synthetic gas use in biomass are still in their infancy but show great promise through prototyping.
Applications of BECCS
BECCS has a number of applications, both from a fuel and carbon offsetting perspective, thanks to it being a technology that both generates energy and removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
BECCS in power and industrial sectors
Integration with power plants and industrial facilities
BECCS is well-placed to retrofit existing biogas plants, which can make upfront costs lower than you might expect. However, this benefit is balanced by potentially higher operating costs.
BECCS in energy and fuel production
Production of biofuels and energy generation
A versatile energy source, biofuels are a key element of BECCS. Biomass can be converted into various types of fuel with a wide range of uses, such as powering vehicles and homes. The main types of biofuels include:
Liquid biofuels: methanol, butanol, ethanol, biodiesel
Biogas
Solid biofuels: solid items, e.g., wood
BECCS in sustainability and carbon reduction
Use in carbon offsetting and sustainability initiatives
Negative emissions processes will be a crucial element of future carbon reduction strategies, and BECCS represents a key part of this solution. While efforts to curb carbon dioxide generation are necessary to meet carbon targets, technologies like BECCS will play a significant role in actively removing CO₂ from the atmosphere.
What are the challenges and limitations of BECCS?
While BECCS offers significant potential for carbon reduction and energy generation, it is a relatively new technology facing several challenges compared to established fossil fuel alternatives.
High implementation costs
Although retrofitting existing biogas plants can help reduce upfront costs, BECCS often involves higher overall operating expenses. This can be a barrier to widespread adoption, particularly for large-scale industrial applications.
Energy and land-use demands
BECCS requires significant land for biomass cultivation, raising concerns about competition with food production and risks to ecosystems. Ensuring sustainable land use will be crucial to prevent negative environmental and social impacts.
Public and regulatory hurdles
Historically, BECCS deployment has been slow due to regulatory uncertainty and public skepticism. However, recent policy developments, especially in Europe, are beginning to provide clearer guidelines and greater transparency for the technology’s implementation and reporting.
Scalability and infrastructure requirements
Scaling BECCS to a commercial level remains a major challenge. While promising pilot projects are expected to become operational by 2025, significant infrastructure investment is needed to support broader adoption and long-term viability.
BECCS in global climate strategies
BECCS is becoming a critical component of global climate strategies, supported by evolving regional policies and financial incentives aimed at accelerating carbon removal technologies. One notable development is the Carbon Removals Certification Framework introduced in 2024, which enhances transparency in monitoring and reporting for carbon removal projects. This framework is designed to boost investor confidence and encourage greater collaboration between private sector stakeholders and EU policymakers.
In Denmark, the NECCS Fund offers a substantial DKK 2.6 billion subsidy to support biogenic and geological carbon storage projects, making it one of Europe’s leading examples of government-backed BECCS deployment.
In the USA, a $35 million pilot prize launched in 2023 provides direct financial incentives for BECCS and other carbon removal projects. This initiative includes government-backed ‘cash’ offtakes, designed to stimulate innovation and accelerate large-scale implementation of carbon removal solutions.
Can BECCS be implemented globally?
The global scalability of BECCS depends heavily on land availability. Since BECCS requires significant space for biomass cultivation, it may not be a feasible solution for countries with limited land or high agricultural demands. Regions with surplus land and lower competition for agricultural resources are better positioned to implement BECCS on a large scale.
How does BECCS compare to other carbon removal methods?
Although BECCS is gaining traction, its long-term role may be more limited compared to other carbon removal technologies. A joint report by Radboud University, Utrecht University, and the PBL Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency suggests that BECCS could play a complementary, yet less dominant, role in global carbon reduction efforts over the next 30 years. Emerging technologies, such as direct air capture (DAC) and enhanced weathering, may outpace BECCS in scalability and impact.
BECCS offers a unique dual benefit by generating renewable energy while removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, making it a valuable tool in the fight against climate change. Despite challenges like high costs and land-use demands, supportive policies and technological advancements are paving the way for broader adoption. As part of a diverse portfolio of carbon reduction strategies, BECCS has the potential to significantly contribute to global net-zero goals.
