In the heart of Michigan, researchers at Michigan State University are unraveling the complexities of bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS), a technology crucial for reversing climate change. Led by Grant Falvo from the Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences, the team has published groundbreaking findings in ‘GCB Bioenergy’, a journal focused on bioenergy and climate change mitigation.
The study, which combines eddy covariance towers, field measurements, and the MEMS 2 ecosystem model, sheds light on the often-overlooked upstream climate impacts of BECCS. These impacts arise from changes in greenhouse gas fluxes and land surface albedo due to extensive land use changes required for BECCS. The research highlights that different methods for estimating the net ecosystem carbon balance of bioenergy crops can yield varying results, underscoring the need for a multi-method approach.
“When quantifying these upstream climate impacts, even at a single site, different methods can give different estimates,” Falvo explains. “Our results highlight the strengths and limitations of each method for quantifying the field scale climate impacts of BECCS and show that utilizing multiple methods can increase confidence in the final radiative forcing estimates.”
The study reveals that establishing perennials such as switchgrass or mixed prairie on former cropland results in net negative radiative forcing, meaning global cooling, of −26.5 to −39.6 fW m−2 over 100 years. Similarly, establishing these perennials on former grassland sites had climate mitigation impacts of −19.3 to −42.5 fW m−2. However, the most significant climate mitigation came from establishing corn for BECCS on former cropland or grassland, with radiative forcings from −38.4 to −50.5 fW m−2, due to its higher plant productivity and therefore more geologically stored carbon.
These findings have profound implications for the energy sector. As the world races to meet net-zero targets, BECCS is emerging as a critical technology. The research provides a robust framework for assessing the climate impacts of BECCS, helping energy companies make informed decisions about land use and crop selection. By understanding the nuances of different bioenergy crops and their radiative forcing impacts, companies can optimize their BECCS strategies to maximize climate benefits.
The study also underscores the importance of integrating multiple methods for quantifying climate impacts. This approach not only increases the accuracy of estimates but also builds confidence in the results, which is crucial for policy-making and investment decisions.
As the energy sector continues to evolve, this research will shape future developments in BECCS technology. By providing a comprehensive understanding of the climate impacts of different bioenergy crops, the study paves the way for more effective and efficient BECCS implementations. This, in turn, could accelerate the deployment of BECCS technologies, bringing us one step closer to reversing the effects of climate change.
