Study sees potential for CO2 capture in bioenergy plants

17.03.2026

Source: E & M powernews

Hauptstadtbüro Bioenergie has published a brief study on the economic viability of CO2 capture from biomass. The costs are between 60 and 119 euros per ton of CO2.

A study by Seeger Engineering has examined the costs and therefore the economic viability of CO2 capture in bioenergy plants. According to the study, bioethanol plants in particular offer one of the most economical conditions. At the same time, the study shows major differences between the technologies. The study was published by Hauptstadtbüro Bioenergie on March 14.

Seeger Engineering prepared the analysis on behalf of the Bioenergy Capital Office and the Federal Association of the German Bioethanol Industry. The study evaluates the economic efficiency of CO2 capture in plants that use gaseous, liquid and solid biomass.

According to the results, the lowest costs are incurred by plants using liquid biomass (bioethanol) at around 60 euros per ton of CO2, as the CO2 is already present in high concentrations and does not need to be liquefied. For gaseous biomass, i.e. biogas and biomethane plants, the costs are around EUR 117 per tonne, and for solid biomass, i.e. wood energy plants, around EUR 119 per tonne of CO2. The study identifies energy requirements, particularly for electricity, as well as plant size, capacity utilization and heat integration as the main cost drivers.

Great potential for negative emissions

In addition to the cost analysis, the study also evaluates the technical potential of CO2 capture from biomass. According to the authors, existing bioenergy plants could capture around 13.1 million tons of CO2 per year. According to an earlier study, a further expansion of plant capacities could even achieve up to 30 million tons per year. Technologies such as BECCS (Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage) and BECCU (Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Utilization) could thus contribute to offsetting residual emissions.

Sandra Rostek, Head of the Capital City Office for Bioenergy, points to the existing infrastructure. Many plants already exist, meaning that CO2 capture projects can be implemented relatively quickly. For initial projects, she suggests start-up funding, for example from emissions trading or the Climate and Transformation Fund.

The Federal Association of the German Bioethanol Industry also sees political prerequisites for implementation. Managing Director Stefan Walter points out that individual bioethanol plants are already providing biogenic CO2 for industrial applications. "The further considerable potential for capture, storage and use should be exploited in order to compensate for residual CO2 emissions in the future," he says.

The association is calling for a clear regulatory framework for the wider use of CO2 capture. These include long-term rules for the transportation and storage of CO2 as well as economic incentives for investments in corresponding plants.

Author: Heidi Roider