Report
Is there enough biomass to defossilise the chemicals and derived materials sector by 2050?
In 2021, the chemical industry accounted for approximately 5% of the total net greenhouse gas emissions in the EU27. Currently, the In 2021, the chemical industry accounted for approximately 5% of the total net greenhouse gas emissions in the EU27. Currently, the chemicals and derived materials sector relies on fossil carbon for 90-95% of its carbon needs. With global chemicals production projected to double by 2030, emissions are likely to rise significantly unless sustainable practices are adopted.
The Bio-based Industries Consortium (BIC) and Renewable Carbon Initiative (RCI) have jointly commissioned research from the nova Institute, investigating the question of whether there is enough sustainably-sourced biomass to defossilise the chemicals and derived materials sector by 2050.
Using various modelling techniques and scenarios that provide quantitative data, the report demonstrates agricultural and woody biomass can sustainably provide enough biomass to meet at least 20% of the future carbon demand of the chemical and derived materials industries in 2050, up from 5.5% (EU27) and 10% (global) in 2023.
The report also provides industries and policymakers with the key elements to develop a strategic roadmap for harnessing biomass as a renewable carbon source, sharing actionable data and scenarios to drive the transformation.
Report details
Topic
The defossilisation of the EU's chemicals and derived materials sector.
Published by
BIC / Renewable Carbon Initiative
Copyright
BIC / Renewable Carbon Initiative
