The Problem with Big Tech's Favorite Carbon Removal Tech
A growing number of corporations, including tech giants like Microsoft, are investing heavily in a carbon removal technology called bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS). However, experts warn that BECCS may not be the silver bullet it seems to be.
According to recent data, nearly 70% of announced carbon removal contracts are for BECCS. The technology involves using trees or other biomass for energy production, then capturing the emissions from burning them. This process is touted as a way to cancel out corporate emissions and meet climate goals.
However, critics argue that BECCS has several potential problems. "The biggest issue with BECCS is its carbon accounting," said James Temple, a colleague who investigated the technology. "When trees grow, they absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, but when you burn them for energy, you release that same CO2 back into the air."
To understand this issue, consider the following: when trees are harvested and used for paper production, the leftover material is often burned to generate electricity or heat. This process releases the stored carbon back into the atmosphere, negating any potential emissions savings.
Experts point out that BECCS can be particularly problematic if not implemented carefully. "If you're burning biomass on a large scale, it's like taking a big breath in and then exhaling it all back out," said Dr. Emily Cassidy, a climate scientist at the University of California, Berkeley. "You're not really removing carbon from the atmosphere; you're just moving it around."
The BECCS industry is still in its early stages, but companies are already committing to large-scale projects. Microsoft, for example, has pledged to remove 15 million metric tons of CO2 from the atmosphere by 2030 using BECCS.
While BECCS may have some benefits, such as reducing waste and generating energy, experts caution that it should not be relied upon as a primary solution to climate change. "We need to focus on reducing emissions in the first place," said Temple. "BECCS can be a useful tool, but it's no substitute for real reductions."
As the world continues to invest in carbon removal technologies like BECCS, experts warn that careful consideration must be given to their potential impacts and limitations.
Background:
Carbon removal technologies have gained significant attention in recent years as companies seek to offset their emissions. However, critics argue that these technologies often lack transparency and accountability.
Additional Perspectives:
Some experts argue that BECCS can be a useful tool for reducing waste and generating energy. "BECCS can help us use biomass more efficiently and reduce the amount of waste we generate," said Dr. David Keith, a climate scientist at Harvard University.
However, others caution that BECCS should not be relied upon as a primary solution to climate change. "We need to focus on reducing emissions in the first place," said Temple. "BECCS can be a useful tool, but it's no substitute for real reductions."
Current Status and Next Developments:
As the world continues to invest in carbon removal technologies like BECCS, experts warn that careful consideration must be given to their potential impacts and limitations. With companies committing to large-scale projects and governments investing in research and development, the future of BECCS remains uncertain.
In the coming years, it is likely that we will see more BECCS projects come online, but also increased scrutiny of their effectiveness and sustainability. As the world continues to grapple with climate change, one thing is clear: careful consideration must be given to any technology that claims to remove carbon from the atmosphere.
*Reporting by Technologyreview.*
