Work

Carbon Dioxide Removal Options for Energy Transitions: BECCS versus DACCS in Germany

Year: 2026

Type: conference-paper

Abstract: There is an ongoing debate about whether we should heavily invest in variable renewable energy to reduce anthropogenic emissions and utilize surplus electricity for direct air carbon capture and storage (DACCS), or instead prioritize bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) to provide system flexibility while simultaneously removing atmospheric emissions. Although DACCS is more costly, achieving ambitious climate targets may ultimately require such extreme mitigation options. In this study, we integrate DACCS technology into the stochastic BENOPTex model, which features various BECCS concepts and CO2utilization pathways, to investigate the optimal contribution of carbon removal technologies for net-zero energy systems under different conditions in Germany. The risk sensitivity is formulated using the Value-at-Risk measure. The preliminary results indicate that DACCS can be part of the cost-optimal solution under specific conditions, including the availability of excess renewable electricity, high levels of residual emissions, and elevated carbon prices. While Germany is selected as the case study, the insights gained from this analysis may apply to the broader European context.

Source: International Conference on the European Energy Market (EEM)

DOI: 10.1109/eem68581.2026.11589592

Authors: Danial Esmaeili Aliabadi, Sandra Gutjahr, Mohammad Sadr, Matthias Jordan, Daniela Thrän

Institution: Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research

Language: English

Topic: Carbon Dioxide Capture Technologies

Subfield: Mechanical Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Affordable and clean energy, Climate action, Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: hybrid

Funder: European Commission