Special Projects
Special Project 11: Renewable Gas – Hydrogen in the grid (completed in Dec 2021)
The objective of this project was to carry out a thorough study on renewable gas with a focus on the effect of hydrogen addition in the grid at increased concentrations up to 100%. The project was sponsored by EC DG ENER, Germany, Netherlands, and Sweden, and let by IEA Bioenergy Task 40. It was completed in December 2021 with a final report.
Special Project 10: The contribution of Advanced Renewable Transport Fuels to transport decarbonisation in 2030 and beyond (completed in Dec 2020)
In the light of climate change, there is an urgent need to decarbonize our societies. The road transport sector is specifically challenging, as transport demand is growing, and so are the sector´s GHG emissions. Electric mobility powered by renewable power will not be able to solve this on its own, and renewable transport fuels will be needed to bridge the gap between GHG emission reduction targets and the projected actual emissions.
A team of experts has assessed the transport sector and its projected development up to 2030 and 2050 for a number of countries, including Germany, Sweden, Finland, the USA, and Brazil. The work was initiated and carried out jointly by two Technology Collaboration Programmes of the International Energy Agency, namely the IEA Bioenergy TCP and the Advanced Motor Fuels TCP, with support of the Directorate General for Energy of the European Commission. The analysis is based on current national policies, projections of the vehicle fleet, and on the availability of renewable transport fuels.
Publications of the project are available here: reports.
Special Project 9: The potential for cost reduction for novel and advanced renewable and low carbon Fuels (completed in Feb 2020)
The aims of this project included (i) identifying the current and projected costs to produce a selection of relevant novel advanced biofuels and other low carbon fuels, (ii) identifying the scope for cost reduction for these, (iii) developing a model for likely cost reduction progress, (iv) comparing these costs and cost trajectories with likely trends in fossil fuels and conventional biofuels and (v) examining the impact of policy measures on their economic competitiveness. The project was completed with a report published in February 2020 (read more) and a webinar in April 2020.
Special Project 8: Technology roadmap – delivering sustainable bioenergy (completed in Nov 2017)
The aim of this project was to produce a single roadmap encompassing bioenergy for transport, heat and power, which would update previous IEA publications in light of developments in policy and technology and allow a holistic approach taking account of the fact that some of the key issues around feedstock availability and sustainability were relevant for all sectors. The roadmap was produced as a joint effort between the IEA Secretariat and the IEA Bioenergy TCP, with inputs from a range of other expert organisations including OECD, FAO, IRENA and the European Commission. The report is available here.
Special Project 7 – Bioenergy RES Hybrids (completed in March 2017)
The objective of this project is to review the current status of bioenergy RES hybrids and to identify those areas in the energy system where such hybrids have a strategic role.
Click here to view the project.
Special Project 6 – Bioenergy in Balancing the Grid & Providing Storage Options (completed in Feb 2017)
This project is identifying and developing new opportunities in the area of grid management and storage where bioenergy can play a strategic role.
Click here to view the project.
Special Project 5 – Bio-CCS and Bio-CCUS in Climate Change Mitigation (completed in May 2018)
This project is focusing on understanding of future market change driven deployment of Bio-CCS and Bio-CCU technologies.
Click here to view the project.
Special Project 3 – Joint project with the Advanced Motor Fuels Implementing Agreement (completed in December 2012)
This project commenced in January 2009 and had a duration of 2½ years. The objective of this high profile Task was to bring together IEA expertise to access overall energy efficiency, emissions, and costs, both direct and indirect costs, of various technology options for buses. City buses are amongst the most coherent vehicle fleets. Procurement of bus services is often handled by municipalities or state in a centralised manner. The impact of city buses on urban air quality is huge, and fuel efficiency is crucial for operational costs. Biofuels had a major role in the test programme. The project was of interest to seven Implementing Agreements, including IEA Bioenergy, all of which have transport-related activities. The participants from IEA Bioenergy were co-financing the project at the level of €75,000. The total budget was Euro 1,075,000. For more information please contact the Secretary Mr John Tustin
