生物燃料和生物质原料在2050年美国经济脱碳中的作用报告

The Role of Biofuels and Biomass Feedstocks for Decarbonizing the U.S. Economy by 2050

Executive Summary

Biomass is a versatile and energy-rich feedstock that could be a cost-effective pillar of the United States' decarbonization strategy. This report aims to identify potential scale-up of bioenergy deployment for trajectories consistent with long-term decarbonization.

Background

Biomass resources—particulary those from agricultural residues, dedicated energy crops, and waste streams—can play a significant role in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The report leverages collaborative analysis from multiple national laboratories to assess the potential of biofuels and biomass feedstocks in achieving U.S. economy-wide decarbonization by 2050.

Key Findings

1. Bioenergy Deployment Potential: The report identifies significant potential for bioenergy deployment, particularly in sectors such as transportation, electricity generation, and industrial processes. Biomass can contribute to reducing GHG emissions by up to 30% by 2050.
2. Technological Innovations: Advances in technologies like biorefineries, direct air capture (DAC), and carbon capture and storage (CCS) can enhance the efficiency and scalability of bioenergy production. For instance, the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis pathway for producing liquid fuels from biomass feedstocks shows promise.
3. Life Cycle Analysis (LCA): Comprehensive life cycle analyses indicate that certain biofuel pathways, such as those using short rotation woody crops (SRWC) and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), offer substantial environmental benefits. These pathways reduce GHG emissions by up to 80% compared to fossil fuels.
4. Economic Viability: The economic viability of bioenergy projects is enhanced by the availability of federal and state incentives, along with cost reductions from technological advancements. The minimum fuel selling price (MFSP) and techno-economic assessments (TEA) support the economic feasibility of large-scale bioenergy deployment.
5. Policy and Regulatory Framework: Strong policy frameworks, including regulations and incentives, are crucial for scaling up bioenergy. The report recommends policies that promote research, development, and deployment of advanced bioenergy technologies.

Collaborative Approach

The study was conducted under the DECARB (Decarbonizing Energy through Collaborative Analysis of Routes and Benefits) program, which involves collaboration between multiple national laboratories and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). The program aims to integrate various analytical tools and leverage expertise from the DOE and national laboratories to provide comprehensive insights into potential decarbonization pathways.

Conclusion

By leveraging the full potential of biofuels and biomass feedstocks, the U.S. can significantly reduce its carbon footprint while fostering economic growth and job creation. The collaborative efforts and technological advancements highlighted in this report will be instrumental in achieving a net-zero economy by 2050.