Title:
From Residues to Resources: Sustainable Biomass Pathways for Decarbonising the Economy
Author(s):
Rimšaitė, L.
Document(s):
Paper
Poster
Abstract:
The accelerating climate crisis, geopolitical instability, and continued dependence on fossil fuels have intensified the search for resilient and sustainable decarbonisation pathways. Recent tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz have highlighted the vulnerability of global fossil fuel supply chains and the need for diversified domestic renewable carbon resources capable of strengthening industrial resilience and energy security. Within this context, biomass residues emerge as strategically important renewable feedstocks contributing to climate neutrality, circular bioeconomy development, and industrial competitiveness. This study examines the role of agricultural residues, forestry by-products, and organic waste streams within integrated biomass valorisation systems and evaluates their contribution to decarbonising hard-to-abate sectors including aviation, heavy industry, chemicals manufacturing, and transport. The paper analyses thermochemical, biochemical, and integrated biorefinery pathways while assessing their sustainability, technological maturity, and deployment potential within the European context. Particular attention is given to circular carbon management and carbon-negative pathways such as bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS). The findings demonstrate that residue-based biomass systems can reduce dependence on imported fossil resources, diversify renewable fuel production, strengthen regional supply chains, and support climate-neutral industrial development. Sustainable deployment nevertheless requires robust governance and science-based sustainability criteria.
Keywords:
biomass residues, circular bioeconomy, decarbonization, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS), renewable carbon, energy security, industrial resilience
Topic:
Sustainable Resources for Decarbonising the Economy
Subtopic:
Biomass resources and potentials
Event:
34th European Biomass Conference and Exhibition
Session:
1BV.4.23
Pages:
82 - 94
ISBN:
978-88-89407-27-1
Paper DOI:
10.5071/34thEUBCE2026-1BV.4.23
Price:
FREE
