Bioenergy with CCS: A New Way to Remove Carbon

Highlights: 

• Introduction 
• Turning Biomass into Clean Energy 
• BECCS Adoption across Industries 

Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS) is becoming a focus area for industries that aim to reduce emissions while keeping energy systems active. It’s not just a clean energy topic anymore; it has turned into a deeper conversation about sustainability, industrial applications, and emission management. At its core, BECCS is a system that produces energy from biomass and then captures and stores the carbon dioxide that would normally be released during combustion or processing. This combination creates a unique situation where carbon is actually removed from the atmosphere; something that goes beyond just reducing emissions. 

How the Process Works and Why It’s Unique 

The BECCS process begins with biomass, such as wood chips, crop residues, or even organic waste. This material is used to generate electricity or produce fuels like biogas. During combustion or fermentation, carbon dioxide is released. But instead of allowing that CO₂ to enter the atmosphere, BECCS systems capture it, compress it, and transport it to underground storage facilities. These geological formations, often old oil fields or saline aquifers, trap the carbon and prevent it from re-entering the air. 

What makes BECCS stand out is that the carbon in biomass originally comes from the atmosphere. When a tree grows, for instance, it pulls CO₂ from the air. If that tree is later used in a BECCS system, and the resulting carbon is stored underground, the process becomes carbon-negative. This is different from other renewable energy systems that only avoid emissions; BECCS actively removes carbon. 

Many industries are looking closely at BECCS, especially those involved in power generation, cement, ethanol, and steel production. For these sectors, where decarbonization is complicated and expensive, BECCS offers a technical solution with dual benefits—energy production and carbon removal. 

Technological Developments and Deployment Status 

In the last few years, there’s been a significant progress in making BECCS systems more reliable and cost-effective. Improved combustion technologies, better biomass conversion techniques, and more advanced CO₂ capture systems are helping in small but important ways. There’s also been a greater strive toward integrating BECCS into existing industrial infrastructure. For example, ethanol plants, which already release concentrated streams of CO₂, are among the easiest places to start with carbon capture. 

One of the leading examples is the Illinois Industrial Carbon Capture and Storage (ICCS) project, operated by Archer Daniels Midland (ADM). It has been storing over one million metric tons of CO₂ annually from an ethanol production facility. This proves that BECCS is not just a lab experiment; it’s functioning at an industrial scale. 

Simultaneously, Drax Group in the UK, which operates one of the largest biomass power stations in Europe, has been advancing its BECCS plans. According to reports from July 2025, Drax has moved forward with its Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) work for its proposed carbon capture system. The company has also submitted an application to install CO₂ capture equipment that could eventually remove around 8 million tonnes of CO₂ per year if fully implemented. 

Despite these steps, there are still several technical and logistical issues. Transporting CO₂ to storage sites requires pipelines, and building this infrastructure can take time, space, and approvals. Additionally, the choice of biomass feedstock is important. If it’s not sourced sustainably, the system may not provide the intended carbon benefits. Lifecycle emissions accounting remains a challenge and needs better data and transparency. According to Allied Market Research, the bioenergy with CCS industry accounted for $212.4 million in 2023 and is expected to reach $676.6 million by 2033, citing a CAGR of 12.3% during 2024-2033. 

Policy Landscape and Industrial Challenges 

The future of BECCS depends on strong regulatory support. In places like the U.S., federal programs such as the 45Q tax credit are offering financial incentives for carbon capture activities. Several companies are trying to build business models around these incentives, pairing revenue from energy generation with credits earned by sequestering CO₂. 

At the same time, industries are still trying to understand the long-term business case. BECCS installations involve high up-front costs and long-term planning. It’s not easy for every firm to jump in, especially when carbon pricing mechanisms vary widely between countries or states. Engineering firms, biomass suppliers, utilities, and logistics companies all need to align, which adds complexity to every project. 

A related concern is public acceptance. Storage of CO₂ underground often raises safety concerns among communities, especially if the storage site is close to residential areas. Companies working in this space need to deal not only with technical operations but also with community outreach, monitoring, and legal responsibilities. 

The Industrial Value of BECCS Today 

BECCS stands at a point where clean energy, industrial operations, and emission management all overlap. While it is not the easiest system to deploy, its potential for carbon removal makes it a valuable consideration for energy-intensive industries. For those already dealing with biomass or ethanol, retrofitting carbon capture systems could be the first step. 

Large-scale energy producers are experimenting with how BECCS can be merged with traditional biomass operations. At the same time, new startups are focusing on modular or decentralized BECCS units that can serve smaller facilities. These early trials are expected to shape how broadly BECCS can be applied in the years ahead. 

Summing up 

Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage is not a one-size-fits-all solution, but it offers a rare mix of benefits for industries facing pressure to cut emissions. It’s not just about generating power; it’s about managing carbon in a smarter way. With real projects showing it works and policies evolving, BECCS is becoming more than just an academic idea. It’s now part of the broader industrial toolkit for those aiming to reduce their carbon footprint while still producing energy or materials. 

Reach out to our team of experts for a detailed overview of the latest trends in the bioenergy with CCS industry. 

✍ **𝑨𝒓𝒕𝒊𝒄𝒍𝒆 𝒘𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒆𝒓: Koyel Ghosh 

Related Post