Work

Unleashing the combined potential of bio-based carbon dioxide removal in Germany’s path to net zero from the bioenergy system perspective

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Carbon dioxide removal (CDR) is an essential measure for achieving national and international climate targets, complementing emission reductions. Germany aims for net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045 and net-negative emissions thereafter. Nonetheless, current deployment levels are still a far cry from what is needed. This study employs a comprehensive modeling approach to examine the regional deployment of bio-based CDR in Germany, integrating techno-economic and regional conditions. We focus on two key CDR approaches: technical and natural sinks, thereby coupling energy and non-energy sectors and providing a cross-sectoral view. The selected CDR concepts are implemented in the extended bioenergy optimization model (BENOPTex) to assess their deployment for achieving climate targets cost-effectively in Germany. Our analysis demonstrates that a co-deployment strategy of technical and natural sinks, as opposed to deploying solely technical sinks, can enhance overall CDR potential by at least 50% while cutting removal costs, achieving around ∼110 Mt CO 2 removal annually by 2050.

Source: iScience

DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2026.116852

Authors: Mohammad Sadr, Danial Esmaeili Aliabadi, Matthias Jordan, Ronja Wollnik, Daniela Thrän

Institutions: Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, Deutsches Biomasseforschungszentrum

Language: English

Topic: Carbon Dioxide Capture Technologies

Subfield: Mechanical Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Climate action, Affordable and clean energy, Responsible consumption and production, Clean water and sanitation

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,240