‘BioCARBON Biogenic carbon for a climate-positive future’ (BECCUS 3.0)
The BioCARBON strategic inter-task project explores the understanding of the role of the various bioenergy concepts of different size, feedstock base and products for CCS and CCU. Hereby also giving room for understanding the role of biochar, another product of biobased value chains allowing for the provision of negative emissions (WP2-WP4). Special emphasis is given on financial models for realizing BECCUS projects and the impact of governmental policies on promoting BECCUS deployment. Success factors for the integration of BECCUS facilities and systems within the overall energy system will be presented. Finally, all different aspects covered will be analysed jointly in order to define good carbon management practices and the role of biogenic carbon on the way to net zero (WP5-WP7).
The project is participated by 10 IEA Bioenergy Tasks, Tasks 32, 33, 34, 36, 37, 39, 40, 43, 44 and 45, underlining its strategic importance to IEA Bioenergy TCP.
Christiane Hennig, DBFZ, and Karin Pettersson, RISE, are the project leads (Task 40).
The project started in December 2025. The project constitutes of 7 dedicated Work Packages. Most of the Tasks have active roles as Work Package leaders. As outputs reports, discussion papers, IEA Bioenergy webinars, expert workshops and case studies will be produced.
News and Highlights
Release “The State of Carbon Dioxide Removal Report” – Edition 3, June 2026.
The IEA Bioenergy Annual Report 2025 includes a special feature article on BECCUS and Carbon Management: Status and Prospects’ prepared by Task 40.
Focus article about “BECCUS Deployment Perspectives”
The latest edition of IEA Bioenergy News (Volume 37(1), August 2025) is out!
This time, Task 40 takes the spotlight with a focus article on “Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage or Utilisation: Deployment Perspectives”.
Check out pages 4–5 to dive into the details.
Events
International Conference on Carbon Dioxide Removal Milan, 10-12 June 2026
Christiane Hennig, Lead of the strategic IEA Bioenergy project BioCARBON, represented IEA Bioenergy work. Conference contributions were dedciated to BECCU and BECCS policy and on the status of CDR implementation as such. Further information here.
EUBCE May 2026 in The Hague
A full success for the BECCUS team — with presentations focused on Biogenic CO2 capture in Denmark, cascading wood use in BECCS systems.Task 40 participated in the Workshop “Carbon removal in the bioeconomy: policy, practice and science” presenting on Dutch and EU carbon removal roadmaps and exploring conditions how to support BECCS deployment. The workshop was organized by Martin Junginger from University Utrecht and IEA Bioenergy Task 45.
Biochar Workshop January 2026 at CEBC in Graz
IEA Bioenergy Workshop on the latest advancements in biochar technologies, organized by Task 34.
Presentations:
Biochar Workshop_Programme and Introduction
Biochar from Gasification_Task 33
Biochar from DTL Technologies_Task 34
Biochar Policy, Regulation and Standardisation_Task 40
Latest publications
DTL Technology Options for BECCS Report 06/2026
Contribution of IEA Bioenergy Task 34 DTL
For the case of direct thermochemical liquefaction (DTL) as relatively new established commercial process, there are varying possibilities on how to achieve Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) with its products. Capturing the CO2 from the flue gases of pyrolysis internal combustion is a readily available option to realize CDR from fast pyrolysis. As an advantage biochar can be separately recovered to enable uses that also realize carbon sequestration. More information here.
Biochar Workshop Report 06/2026
Summarizing the results of the IEA Bioenergy Workshop on Biochar at the CEBC 21 January 2026 on the latest advancements in biochar technologies, their applications, and their role in carbon dioxide removal (CDR) and bioenergy systems. The workshop focused on identifying valuable production routes, applications, standardization, and policy frameworks to support biochar deployment. Read more in the report coordinated by Manuel Schwabl IEA Bioenergy Task 34 DTL.
Journal article in Nature’s Communications Earth & Environment 04/2026
New insights from the BECCUS 2.0 project! In collaboration with IEA Bioenergy Task 45 and University of Galway, our latest study in Communications Earth & Environment reveals how cascading wood use with carbon capture drives lasting global cooling. This work was coordinated by George Bishop from University of Galway.
New publication in IEA Bioenergy: Update 78 02/2026
Focus article on “Bioenergy with carbon capture and storage or utilisation: deployment perspectives” is now further spread- explore the key insights and what they reveal about real-world deployment pathways.
Case Study Report – Biomass Combustion and CCU 10/2025
Contribution of IEA Bioenergy Task 32 Combustion
Discover how carbon capture and utilization (CCU) can be realized at small-scale biomass district heating plants in this case study from Canada. Learn which capture technologies can already meet ambitious CO₂ targets and what key integration and energy challenges must be addressed to successfully implement CCU at demonstration scale. More information here.
Case Study Report – Biomass Combustion and CCS Modelling 08/2025
Contribution of IEA Bioenergy Task 32 Combustion
Modelling full-scale implementation of CCUS at large wood chip fuelled CHP plant in Denmark
Take a look in this new publication about developments at Skærbæk CHP plant in Denmark, regarding investments in CCUS technology. The plant currently uses approximately 550,000 tonnes of wood chips per year and is exploring the integration of CCUS technology to reduce its carbon footprint.
The IEA Bioenergy Technology Collaboration Programme (TCP) is organised under the auspices of the International Energy Agency (IEA) but is functionally and legally autonomous. Views, findings and publications of the IEA Bioenergy TCP do not necessarily represent the views or policies of the IEA Secretariat or its individual member countries.