BioCas - Multi-level governance of CDR with biomass and its utilization in cascades

The aim of the BioCas project is to establish an effective governance framework for the sustainable development and expansion of biomass-based CDR cascades (bioCDR cascades). To this purpose, the project will combine the further development of bioCDR cascades with an interdisciplinary analysis of current multi-level governance processes. This will involve the use of transdisciplinary co-design methods, holistic assessment approaches, policy analyses, case studies and optimisation models.

Further information

Biomass-based CO₂ removal (bioCDR) plays a key role in Germany's efforts to achieve its net-zero target. The cascading use of biomass for CO₂ removal is regarded as particularly promising by stakeholders from the research, political and wider societal sectors, as it is associated with lower environmental impacts and offers potential co-benefits. However, the implementation and scaling of bioCDR cascades present a complex challenge. And although biomass cascades – as a combination of value chains, material flows and business networks – are required in policy strategies, they have so far been under-represented in research, particularly in the areas of CDR assessment, governance research and modelling. The aim of the BioCas project is to develop a governance framework for the sustainable development and expansion of bioCDR cascades. To this purpose, the specific design of bioCDR cascades is combined with an interdisciplinary analysis of current multi-level governance processes. Methods of transdisciplinary co-design, holistic assessment approaches, political analysis tools, case studies and optimisation models are applied. BioCas is based on a comprehensive understanding of governance, from the international to the local level, and takes into account various dimensions of governance: economic governance, ranging from self-organised markets to state regulation; non-state governance by agencies or organisations that establish standards or certificates; and consultations on regulatory issues involving various social groups, experts and members of the public. BioCas will proactively engage biomass suppliers, biomass processing companies (e.g. for biochar), as well as industry associations and civil society groups. As a result, the project will propose a roadmap for an effective multi-level governance framework for bioCDR.

Project partners

Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research GmbH (UFZ)
Deutsches Biomasseforschungszentrum GmbH (DBFZ)
Institute for Ecological Economic Research GmbH (IÖW)
University of Applied Sciences Zittau/Görlitz (HSZG)

Project management

Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research GmbH (UFZ)

Project duration

November 2025 - October 2028

Funding

Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR)