Bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) is increasingly making headlines. In January, I provided an overview of BECCS at the Arctic Energy Alliance 2025 Northwest Territories Biomass Week.
What is BECCS?
BECCS is a technology that combines bioenergy production (using biomass as fuel) with carbon capture and permanent storage. It captures biogenic carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the flue gas produced during biomass combustion or processing and stores it underground, preventing its release into the atmosphere. It is a nature-based solution that creates permanent carbon dioxide removal (CDR), resulting in negative emissions.
Why Does BECCS Matter?
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has emphasized that limiting global warming to 1.5°C will require removing 5-10 GtCO₂ per year by 2050. BECCS provides a pathway to achieve “negative emissions” while simultaneously producing renewable energy. It offers the lowest-cost method for CDR, particularly for hard-to-abate sectors such as aviation, shipping and heavy industry.
In addition to decarbonization, BECCS has several key benefits:
- Renewable heat and power: By co-producing renewable energy, BECCS is more cost-effective than direct air capture (DAC).
- Carbon removal credits: BECCS projects can generate CDR credits, crucial in global carbon markets.
- Avoided wildfires: Utilizing forestry residues as biomass fuel helps prevent uncontrolled forest fires, improving environmental and community safety.
How Does BECCS Work?
BECCS relies on a series of well-established processes. Forestry residues, agricultural waste and other sustainable biomass sources are used as fuel. These materials would otherwise decay or burn, releasing CO₂. Biomass is then combusted or gasified to produce heat, electricity or biofuels. CO₂ is captured from emissions during the production process, typically through amine scrubbing. It is then compressed, transported via pipelines or other means and injected into geological formations for permanent storage. The CO₂ storage process is monitored by various entities, including regulatory agencies, industry groups and independent third-party organizations. The monitoring process ensures CO₂ remains securely stored and does not leak back into the atmosphere.
BECCS in Action: Global Case Studies
Several companies are pioneering BECCS initiatives:
- Drax (UK): Plans to add carbon capture units to two generators at its power station, aiming to become the world’s largest carbon capture facility. By 2030, Drax aims to capture and store eight million tonnes of CO₂ annually.
- Ørsted (Denmark): Captures approximately 90 percent of CO₂ from biomass-fired power plants. The captured CO₂ is compressed, transported, and stored in Norway’s geological formations, with a goal of capturing 430,000 tonnes of biogenic CO₂ annually by 2026.
- Stockholm Exergi (Sweden): The company plans to construct a BECCS facility at its bio-cogeneration plant in Värtan, Stockholm, aiming to capture 800,000 tonnes of CO₂ annually. This project has secured SEK 20 billion (approximately USD $1.8 billion) in support from the Swedish Energy Agency and has established significant carbon removal agreements with companies like Microsoft and the Frontier coalition.
Why BECCS Makes Sense for Canada
Canada is uniquely positioned to be a global leader in BECCS due to several key advantages:
- Abundant biomass resources: Canada has the largest per capita biomass resource in the world, providing a robust feedstock supply for BECCS projects.
- Strong geological formations: Canada has well-suited geological formations for safe, permanent CO₂ storage.
- Integration with existing industries: BECCS can be incorporated into pulp mills, bioelectricity plants, and sawmills to capture emissions and generate revenue through carbon credits.
- Economic potential: Canada can capitalize on BECCS by generating CDR credits and participating in clean energy markets.
Additionally, BECCS contributes to wildfire prevention and management by utilizing forestry residues that would otherwise become potential wildfire fuel sources.
BECCS presents an opportunity for Canada to lead in CO2 removal while advancing its bioenergy sector. With strong biomass resources, geological storage capacity and industrial expertise, Canada is well-positioned to leverage BECCS for both domestic emissions reductions and international carbon credit markets. As discussions around climate change mitigation intensify, BECCS stands out as a critical solution in the pathway to net zero.
This article is the second in a three-part series from the Wood Pellet Association of Canada’s participation in the Arctic Energy Alliance’s 2025 Northwest Territories Biomass Week. Stay tuned for an update on efforts to develop a new Canadian Standards Association (CSA) standard for small solid biomass combustors. You can also read the CHP article here.
Dr. Fahimeh Yazdan Panah is the Director, Research and Technical Development with the Wood Pellet Association of Canada.