Expectation and implementation of flexible bioenergy in different countries, 2021

This report gives an overview on the status and the expectation of flexible bioenergy in eleven OECD countries (Australia, Austria, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland and the United States of America) to see different approaches for flexible bioenergy, and summarises drivers and barriers. The report describes the general role of bioenergy in the power, heating and cooling, and transport sectors, followed by an outline of the transition towards renewables and the related status of flexible bioenergy regarding policy framework, obstacles and bottlenecks, as well as the incentives. The report is based on country-specific information, including statistic information and expert assessment through a questionnaire.

As a conclusion, technological barriers are not seen to be a major challenge, but an economic feasible integration of the technologies in the overall energy system. Coherent policy support to integrate flexible bioenergy in the energy system is considered as necessary. To unlock the potential benefits, the report proposes a stronger link between flexible bioenergy and other options for flexibility, such as demand side management, energy storage, power-to-X and also green hydrogen.

IEA Task 44 report – Expectation and implementation of flexible bioenergy in different countries