Methods for carbon dioxide removalBioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS)

Bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) involves capturing CO₂ from biomass-based energy systems and then storing it permanently. Photosynthesis, combustion or fermentation, carbon capture and geological storage are used to create a closed system that generates negative emissions, i.e. removes CO₂ from the atmosphere.

There are two main processes. Firstly, biogas processing for biomethane production with simultaneous CO₂ capture. Secondly, the conversion of biomass into energy (electricity and heat) in bioenergy plants with CO₂ capture. Thermal waste treatment with CO₂ capture and storage (WACCS) works in a very similar way. The captured CO₂ is permanently stored in each case.