The contribution of forest-based bioenergy in achieving deep decarbonization: Insights for Quebec (Canada) using a TIMES approach

Kouchaki-Penchah, Hamed; Bahn, Olivier; Vaillancourt, Kathleen; Levasseur, Annie

doi:10.1016/j.enconman.2021.115081

Cited by 20 publications

(7 citation statements)

References 50 publications

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“…We have also ensured that the model reproduces statistics available for 2020. Besides, results for GHG emissions and for primary and final energy, for the projection periods (2025–2050) in our “business as usual” scenario (see Section 4 , below) have been made consistent with the ones computed by NATEM-Quebec, which is a more detailed bottom–up energy model we have developed for the province of Quebec to which the GM region belongs; see [ 36 , 37 , 38 ].…”

Section: Methodssupporting

confidence: 68%

Energy Transition Pathways for Deep Decarbonization of the Greater Montreal Region: An Energy Optimization Framework

et al. 2022

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More than half of the world’s population live in cities, and by 2050, it is expected that this proportion will reach almost 68%. These densely populated cities consume more than 75% of the world’s primary energy and are responsible for the emission of around 70% of anthropogenic carbon. Providing sustainable energy for the growing demand in cities requires multifaceted planning approach. In this study, we modeled the energy system of the Greater Montreal region to evaluate the impact of different environmental mitigation policies on the energy system of this region over a long-term period (2020–2050). In doing so, we have used the open-source optimization-based model called the Energy–Technology–Environment Model (ETEM). The ETEM is a long-term bottom–up energy model that provides insight into the best options for cities to procure energy, and satisfies useful demands while reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Results show that, under a deep decarbonization scenario, the transportation, commercial, and residential sectors will contribute to emission reduction by 6.9, 1.6, and 1 million ton CO2-eq in 2050, respectively, compared with their 2020 levels. This is mainly achieved by (i) replacing fossil fuel cars with electric-based vehicles in private and public transportation sectors; (ii) replacing fossil fuel furnaces with electric heat pumps to satisfy heating demand in buildings; and (iii) improving the efficiency of buildings by isolating walls and roofs.

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Section: Methodssupporting

confidence: 68%

Energy Transition Pathways for Deep Decarbonization of the Greater Montreal Region: An Energy Optimization Framework

et al. 2022

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“…Complete techno-economic data may be found in the Supporting Information .xlsx file. Reference also describes the bioenergy conversion pathways.…”

Section: Methodological Approachmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…For bioenergy technologies without CCS, technologies from our previous study were used, and related costs were updated. 18 For BECCS, postcombustion CCS 70 was coupled with bioenergy technologies from our previous study 18 by adding required energy, extra investment costs, and fixed and variable operating costs of CCS to each of the technologies. In addition, three bioenergy technologies using precombustion CCS 71 were modeled.…”

Section: Times Modeling Approachmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…However, these studies cannot assess the most cost-effective pathways to reducing GHG emissions. Several research efforts − have employed energy system models to examine the role of bioenergy while taking into account market competition among different pathways (see ref ), but they usually disregard the dynamics of soil organic carbon and land use and follow a carbon neutrality assumption. Several studies ,− have utilized the global timber model, a partial equilibrium model designed to optimize overall welfare in timber markets, to analyze the connection between long-term changes in biomass demand and carbon sequestration.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Governments also rely on energy system models to explore the potential decarbonization pathways. Biogenic CO 2 is assumed neutral in many studies, including our latest one 18 in which a techno-economic model of the energy system is used to show that forest-based bioenergy is a feasible decarbonization pathway for regions, such as Canada, with a declining trend for traditional forest products. The carbon neutrality assumption might be acceptable when the rotation length of biomass is short, such as annual crops.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Impact of Biogenic Carbon Neutrality Assumption for Achieving a Net-Zero Emission Target: Insights from a Techno-Economic Analysis

Kouchaki-Penchah

Bahn

Vaillancourt

et al. 2023

Environ. Sci. Technol.

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Global pathways limiting warming to 2 °C or below require deep carbon dioxide removal through a large-scale transformation of the land surface, an increase in forest cover, and the deployment of negative emission technologies (NETs). Government initiatives endorse bioenergy as an alternative, carbon-neutral energy source for fossil fuels. However, this carbon neutral assumption is increasingly being questioned, with several studies indicating that it may result in accounting errors and biased decision-making. To address this growing issue, we use a carbon budget model combined with an energy system model. We show that including forest sequestration in the energy system model alleviates the decarbonization effort. We discuss how a forest management strategy with a high sequestration capacity reduces the need for expensive negative emission technologies. This study indicates the necessity of establishing the most promising forest management strategy before investing in bioenergy with carbon capture and storage. Finally, we describe how a carbon neutrality assumption may lead to biased decision-making because it allows the model to use more biomass without being constrained by biogenic CO2 emissions. The risk of biased decision-making is higher for regions that have lower forest coverage, since available forest sequestration cannot sink biogenic emissions in the short term, and importing bioenergy could worsen the situation.

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Life cycle assessment and techno-economic analysis of sustainable bioenergy production: a review

Osman,

Fang,

Zhang

et al. 2024

Environ Chem Lett

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The global expansion of the bioenergy industry raises concerns, emphasizing the need for careful evaluation and sustainable management. To facilitate this, life cycle assessments beyond greenhouse gas emissions and energy balance are essential, along with the standardization of assessment methodologies to enable meaningful comparisons. Here, we review life cycle assessment, chemical aspects, and policy implication of bioenergy production. We discuss life cycle assessment in terms of concepts, methods, impacts, greenhouse gases, land use, water consumption, bioethanol, biodiesel, biogas, and techno-economic analysis. Chemical aspects comprise reaction processes and means to improve efficiency. Concerning policies, tools, and frameworks that encourage sustainable energy production are presented. We found that carbon dioxide removal ranges from 45 to 99% in various bioenergy processes. The review also emphasizes the importance of chemistry in advancing sustainable bioenergy production for a more sustainable and secure energy future.

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The contribution of forest-based bioenergy in achieving deep decarbonization: Insights for Quebec (Canada) using a TIMES approach

Cited by 20 publications

References 50 publications

Energy Transition Pathways for Deep Decarbonization of the Greater Montreal Region: An Energy Optimization Framework

Energy Transition Pathways for Deep Decarbonization of the Greater Montreal Region: An Energy Optimization Framework

Impact of Biogenic Carbon Neutrality Assumption for Achieving a Net-Zero Emission Target: Insights from a Techno-Economic Analysis

Life cycle assessment and techno-economic analysis of sustainable bioenergy production: a review

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