IEA projects doubled global bioenergy supply by 2050

The International Energy Agency has projected that the world bioenergy supply for the production of heat and electricity is likely to double by the year 2050.

This would depend if 5 to 7 billion tonnes  of dry biomass is available.

The roadmap has aimed at maximum growth for bioenergy usage in the power sector. The IEA has predicted a ten-fold increase in electricity generation, from 270 terawatt hours (TWh) in 2010 to 3,000 TWh in 2050, which will meet 7.5% of the global electricity demand.

The agency has necessitated the use of bioenergy to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. This can be done by ensuring greater production and efficient utilization of biomass feedstocks such as wood chips.

To harness the potential of biomass-based energy and achieve the targets set for the next 40 years, the IEA has favored co-firing and development of large scale biomass power plants.

These types of plants will help generate electricity at high efficiency levels and at costs lower than coal and natural gas-based electricity. Besides this, increased efforts to bring new small-scale technologies is vital for creating a sustainable biomass market.