BioNET – Multi-level Assessment of Bio-based Negative Emission Technologies

The BioNET project analyzes the expectations and potentials for the implementation of bio-based negative emissions in selected regions and provides a problem-adequate knowledge base for the evaluation of bio-based NETs in Germany.

Project description:

Technologies and concepts for capturing CO2 using biomass (bio-based Negative Emission Technologies - NETs) are a central element of Net-Zero policy strategies. They are embedded in agricultural and forestry value chains and can be deployed in various ways, but may also compete with the provision of materials and energy. Those measures have not been implemented yet and are characterized by multiple risks concerning their feasibility and market introduction, partly because of a lacking comprehensive assessment that takes local and regional conditions into account.

In order to close this gap and to develop the necessary decision support for the integration and implementation of negative emissions, the BioNET project combines new social science approaches with established methods of competition modeling for limited biomass and trade-off analyses. In doing so, the project aims to: (1) provide a transparent and accessible database on bio-based NETs, (2) bring new participatory approaches to investigate societal and institutional feasibility, and (3) develop and holistically assess national scenarios for bio-based NETs, taking into account the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

This is to achieve understanding of and confidence in the concepts and processes, as well as to use mobilization of stakeholders in all project phases to identify and overcome barriers. As a result, possible courses of action for bio-based NETs should be communicated in an adapted manner and political and other decision-makers at different scales, as well as researchers, should be empowered to consider them adequately in their work and decisions.

PUBLICATIONS

Biobased NETs information base: Factsheets & database

Wollnik, R., Borchers, M., Seibert, R., Abel, S., Herrmann, P., Elsasser, P., Hildebrandt, J., Meisel, K., Henning, P., Radtke, K. S., Selig, M., Kazmin, S., Szarka, N. & Thrän, D. (2024) Dynamics of bio-based carbon dioxide removal in Germany. Sci Rep 14, 20395. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-71017-x.

Wollnik, R., Borchers, M., Seibert, R., Abel, S., Herrmann, P., Elsasser, P., Hildebrandt, J., Mühlich, M., Eisenschmidt, P., Meisel, K., Henning, P., Radtke, K. S., Selig, M., Kazmin, S., Szarka, N. & Thrän, D. (2025) Factsheets for bio-based carbon dioxide removal options in Germany [Data set]. Open Agrar Repositorium. https://doi.org/10.48480/mj9d-6y33.

Website ‘Database of 27 bio-based negative emission technologies (NETs)’
https://datalab.dbfz.de/bionet/home?lang=de

Framework conditions for bio-based NETs: Assessment of opportunities and barriers

Borchers, M., Förster, J., Thrän, D., Mengis, N. et al. (2024) A comprehensive assessment of carbon dioxide removal options for Germany. Earth’s Future 12 (5), e2023EF003986, https://doi.org/10.1029/2023ef003986.

Otto, D.; Matzner, N. (2024) Let Us Get Regional: Exploring Prospects for Biomass-Based Carbon Dioxide Removal on the Ground. C, 10, 25. https://doi.org/10.3390/c10010025.


Potential of bio-based NETs: Scenario analyses & modelling

Sadr, M., Esmaeili Aliabadi D., Jordan, M., Thrän D. (2024) A bottom-up regional potential assessment of bioenergy with carbon capture and storage in Germany. Environmental Research Letters 19, 114047, https://doi.org/10.1088/1748-9326/ad7edd.

Sadr, M., Esmaeili Aliabadi, D., Avşar, B., Thrän, D. (2024) Assessing the impact of seasonality on bioenergy production from energy crops in Germany, considering just-in-time philosophy. Biofuels, Bioproducts and Biorefining, 18(4):883898. https://doi.org/10.1002/bbb.2602.

Wollnik, R., Szarka, N., Matzner, N., Otto, D., Sadr, M., Aliabadi, D. E., Tremmel, R., Röbisch, J., & Thrän, D. (2025) Scenario Storylines for Carbon Dioxide Removal in Germany: Drawing From Regional Perspectives. GCB Bioenergy, 17(9), e70075. https://doi.org/10.1111/gcbb.70075.


Providing a decision- making basis

Thrän, D., Borchers, M., Jordan, M., Lenz, V., Markus, T., Matzner, N., Oehmichen, K., Otto, D., Radtke, K.S., Reshef, N., Sadr, M., Siedschlag, D., Wollnik, R. (2024). BECCS – ein nachhaltiger Beitrag zur dauerhaften CO2-Entnahme in Deutschland? Diskussionspapier UFZ Report 2/2024. Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Leipzig. https://www.ufz.de/export/data/2/296151_29966.pdf.

Markus, T., Otto, D., Thrän, D. (2024). Die Carbon Management Strategie und CCS im Lichte klima- und energierechtlicher Weichenstellungen. Zeitschrift für Umweltrecht (ZUR) 35 (7-8), 387 – 396.