Commentary
Going carbon negative: What are the technology options?
Bioenergy
Bioenergy accounts for roughly one-tenth of world total primary energy supply today.
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Modern bioenergy is an important source of renewable energy, its contribution to final energy demand across all sectors is five times higher than wind and solar PV combined, even when the traditional use of biomass is excluded . In recent years, bioenergy for electricity and transport biofuels has been growing quickly, mainly due to higher levels of policy support. However, the heating sector remains the largest source of bioenergy.
Modern bioenergy does not include the traditional use of biomass in developing countries and emerging economies for cooking and heating, using inefficient open fires or simple cook stoves, which has impacts on human health and the environment.
Modern bioenergy does not include the traditional use of biomass in developing countries and emerging economies for cooking and heating, using inefficient open fires or simple cook stoves, which has impacts on human health and the environment.
Last updated Nov 28, 2019
Key findings
Biofuel production growth in key markets, 2019-2024
OpenBiofuel production forecast to increase 25% over the next 5 years
Global biofuel production increased 10 billion litres in 2018 to reach a record 154 billion litres. Double the growth of 2017, this 7% year-on-year increase was the highest in five years. Output is forecast to increase 25% to 2024, an upwards revision from 2018 owing to better market prospects in Brazil, the United States and especially China.
Global biofuel production 2010-2024 compared to consumption in the Sustainable Development Scenario
OpenStronger policy support and innovation to reduce costs are required to get on track
Transport biofuel production expanded 7% year-on-year in 2018, and 3% annual production growth is expected over the next five years. This falls short of the sustained 10% output growth per year needed until 2030 to align with the Sustainable Development Scenario. Stronger policy support and innovation to reduce costs are required to scale up both advanced biofuel consumption and the adoption of biofuels in aviation and marine transport, as envisaged in the Sustainable Development Scenario.
Bioenergy power generation in the Sustainable Development Scenario, 2000-2030
OpenAn optimistic outlook for bioenergy in power generation
In 2018, bioenergy electricity generation increased by over 8%, maintaining average growth rates since 2011 and exceeding the 6% annual rate needed through 2030 to reach the level under the Sustainable Development Scenario. As recent positive policy and market developments in emerging economies indicate an optimistic outlook for bioenergy, its tracking status was upgraded in 2018 from ‘more efforts needed’ to ‘on track’.
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