BECCS carbon-negative technologies based on biomass thermochemical conversion: A review of critical pathways and research advances

Abstract

Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage/Utilization (BECCS/U) represents a promising carbon-negative technology critical for addressing global climate challenges and achieving carbon neutrality. Optimized biomass thermochemical conversion technologies integrated with Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) can efficiently convert biomass into bio-based chemicals, liquid/gas fuels, and electricity, facilitating net negative carbon emissions. The review herein focused on four primary biomass thermochemical conversion processes, namely torrefaction, liquefaction, pyrolysis, and gasification, providing a systematic overview of their process reaction mechanisms, the distribution of reaction derivatives, the upgrading and conversion of primary volatiles. Emphasizing BECCS pathways, the review discussed technological options for integrating torrefaction, liquefaction, pyrolysis, and gasification with CCS, highlighting their process mechanisms, conversion targets, and technical potentials. It also surveyed the progress of thermochemical conversion coupled with CCS as a viable carbon-negative technology. Critical analyses examined the advantages and challenges of each approach, offering insights into future research directions and prospects. Overall, this comprehensive overview presented a technical roadmap and critical insights into biomass thermochemical conversion-based BECCS carbon-negative technologies, fostering advancements in sustainable energy solutions.