Irina Popova and Alexander Ignatov, experts from the Institute of Applied Economic Research of the Presidential Academy, studied the positive effects of bioenergy development, possible risks and strategic plans for popularizing “green” energy. The scientists based their analysis on reports from the IEA and IRENA agencies that study this industry.
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The authors of the paper note that the IEA and IRENA consider bioenergy an important alternative to hydrocarbons, despite the possible negative consequences. Energy can become a key source of fuel for various industries, including aviation and maritime transport.
The organizations expect a multiple increase in bioenergy production to meet the goals of the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement. It is noted that bioenergy is produced from organic material that contains carbon absorbed by plants during photosynthesis. When biomass is used to generate energy, the carbon is released and returned to the atmosphere.
The production of large volumes of biomass makes bioenergy a fuel with virtually zero emissions. Today, bioenergy accounts for 55% of renewable energy and over 6% of the world's energy supply. At the same time, some experts are convinced that burning biomass releases as much CO2 as burning coal.
During its G20 presidency, India proposed the creation of a Global Biofuels Alliance to pool efforts to expand markets. The IEA recommended that the alliance promote market development and accelerate technological commercialization of the industry.
Despite the risks for the Russian Federation (as a country that produces and trades hydrocarbons), the development of bioenergy can bring many benefits to the country due to the potential for biomass production.
«It is clear that India, Brazil and Indonesia need technologies available in the US, Canada, Germany and the EU, as well as investments. Obviously, the alliance will develop during the Brazilian presidency of the G20,» the authors of the study are convinced.
To make the «Net Zero Emissions by 2050» scenario a reality, it is recommended to increase the use of bioenergy by 8% per year by 2030.
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IRENA also recommends that G20 countries include circular economy and bioeconomy goals in national planning systems and public policies, adopt strategies for the bioenergy industry, develop financing and encourage international technology transfer.
According to experts, the development of the biofuel and hydrogen industries will require about $3.4 trillion in the near future. To realize the potential of biomass, it is also worth expanding the scale of use and collection of its residues, and developing supply chains for marketing. By 2050, the number of jobs in the renewable energy sector will reach 11.3 million.
Unbalanced development of bioenergy will lead to threats to food security and increased emissions. To support the industry, IRENA recommends using grants, feed-in tariffs, certification schemes, and stimulating public awareness.
The organization is convinced that despite the factors contributing to the spread of bioenergy, there are obstacles to its development.
For example, the high cost of bioenergy technologies and the lack of access to financing. Also, the industry lacks special regulations, and bioenergy faces cultural and information barriers. Oil prices also influence the introduction of biofuels.
In conclusion of the study, the experts of the Presidential Academy noted the importance of studying Russia's potential in terms of bioenergy production. They emphasized that our country can become an important player in establishing potential mutually beneficial relations in this area.