Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS)

Producing energy from biomass and capturing/storing the CO₂ emitted.

What is Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS)?

Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS) is a climate change mitigation technology that involves generating energy (electricity, heat, or biofuels) from biomass, and then capturing the CO₂ released during the conversion process before it enters the atmosphere. The captured CO₂ is then transported and permanently stored in geological formations.

Why is Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS) important?

BECCS is considered a 'negative emissions technology' because, if the biomass growth removes CO₂ from the atmosphere, and that CO₂ is then captured and stored, the overall process can result in a net removal of CO₂ from the atmosphere. It is seen as crucial for achieving ambitious climate targets that require active atmospheric CO₂ removal.

Related terms

Want to explore this topic further? Browse connected glossary terms below.

Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS)

Capturing CO₂ from point sources and storing it permanently underground.

Removal methods

Negative Emissions

Removing more greenhouse gases from the atmosphere than are emitted.

Core definitions

Carbon removal

Carbon removal refers to processes that actively take carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere and store it for the long term.

Core definitions

Frequently asked questions

Is BECCS considered a carbon removal technology?

Yes, BECCS is considered a carbon removal technology because the CO₂ absorbed by the growing biomass is ultimately removed from the atmosphere and permanently stored underground after energy conversion.

What are the primary challenges of BECCS?

Challenges include the sustainability of biomass sourcing (e.g., land use, water use, biodiversity impacts), the energy intensity and cost of carbon capture, and the availability of suitable geological storage sites.

How does BECCS contribute to energy production?

BECCS integrates bioenergy facilities (e.g., biomass power plants, biorefineries) with carbon capture technology, allowing for the production of dispatchable power or biofuels while simultaneously removing CO₂.