Post by Emiliano Maletta

THE FEEDSTOCK BOTTLENECK IS ALREADY VISIBLE. We continue to discuss bioenergy as if the central question were conversion technology. In many projects, the harder problem is much earlier in the chain: securing the right hectares, crops, yields, specifications and logistics for 15–20 years. IEA Bioenergy estimates that crops and trees could contribute around 40 EJ by 2050. That implies roughly 2.2–2.5 billion dry tonnes of biomass per year across about 140 million hectares. HEFA can expand SAF through oils and fats, although those preferred lipid feedstocks are finite and increasingly contested. Further growth will require lignocellulosic biomass, perennial grasses, short-rotation trees, agroforestry and other purpose-designed systems. The strongest projects begin with climate, rainfall seasonality, soil, drainage, road access, harvest windows, local land use and delivered-feedstock economics. On suitable underperforming land, perennial crops and trees can also improve soil cover, reduce erosion, support biodiversity and stabilise rural income. A biomass map is useful. A bankable supply chain begins when hectares, tonnes, moisture, kilometres, specifications and contracts all reconcile. This is where the next phase of bioenergy will be won. #Bioenergy #Biomass #SAF #EnergyCrops #Bioeconomy