IEA estimates that by 2050, biofuels could provide 27 % of total transport fuel and contribute in particular to the replacement of diesel, kerosene and jet fuel. The projected use of biofuels could avoid around 2.1 gigatonnes (Gt) of CO2 emissions per year when produced sustainably. Tone Knudsen, Deputy Director of Bellona Europa, states that the use of biomass must be scrutinized.

– The use of biomass in different sectors must be carefully scrutinized. The roadmap stipulates a 37 % increase in the use of biomass in the road passenger transport, but in that sector there are good alternatives in electric cars. This is why use of biofuels should be focused on shipping, aviation and road freight transport, says Tone Knudsen.

The report states that the possibility of using bioenergy in combination with CCS is being actively considered. When capturing CO₂ emissions from bioenergy generation it is possible to turn carbon neutral emissions into negative emissions – absorbing CO₂ from the atmosphere.

IEA also notes that CO₂ streams from biofuel production is purer than the flue gases from fossil fuel power plants, making it easier to apply CCS at biofuel refineries. IEA calls for more R&D to apply this important technology at a wider scale. Bellona welcomes the use of biomass in combination with CCS, and notes that other research is also needed in the bioenergy field.  

– This roadmap stipulates a massive increase in the use of biomass. In order to have this much biomass available, there is a great need for more research in alternative sustainable sources of biomass, for example cultivation of algae, says Tone Knudsen.

Read the report here