Title : Unlocking canada’s carbon-negative energy: A geospatial analysis of bioenergy with carbon capture and storage from agricultural residues
Abstract:
This study investigates the potential of siting bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) facilities to maximize carbon-negative energy production across Canada’s Prairie provinces. Focusing on agricultural residues from wheat, barley, and oats this research evaluates sustainable biomass availability and identifies optimal biorefinery sites using a Geographic Information System (GIS) approach. The analysis incorporates spatial data on crop yields, residue-to- crop ratios, soil conservation needs, and competing uses to estimate residue availability under real-world conditions. Multi-criteria suitability analysis assesses potential biorefinery sites based on proximity to transportation networks, workforce availability, and carbon storage infrastructure. Integrating crop distributions with existing carbon capture and storage (CCS) facilities ensures the feasibility of proposed sites. Preliminary findings highlight significant variability in residue distribution and the importance of siting facilities within regions that balance biomass accessibility with CCS feasibility. Facilities in industrial clusters may benefit from existing infrastructure but face long-term biomass supply reliability challenges. Conversely, sites outside clusters require tailored logistical strategies to minimize spatially explicit supply chain emissions. This research contributes to Canada’s clean energy transition by offering a framework for optimizing BECCS deployment. Aligning sustainable biomass utilization with regional low-carbon infrastructure supports scalable and economically efficient solutions to achieve net-negative emissions while bolstering rural economies.
