Soil organic carbon (SOC) change influences the life-cycle assessment (LCA) calculations for globally traded bio-based products. Broad agreement on the importance of SOC measurement stands in contrast with inconsistent measurement methods. This paper focuses on published SOC research on lands managed for maize (Zea mays L.) in the U.S. and sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) in Brazil. A literature review found that reported SOC measurement protocols reflect different sampling strategies, measurement techniques, and laboratory analysis methods. Variability in sampling techniques (pits versus core samples), depths, increments for analysis, and analytical procedures (wet oxidation versus dry combustion) can influence reported SOC values. To improve consistency and comparability in future SOC studies, the authors recommend that: (a) the methods applied for each step in SOC studies be documented; (b) a defined protocol for soil pits or coring be applied; (c) samples be analyzed at 10 cm intervals for the full rooting depth and at 20 cm intervals below rooting until reaching 100 cm; (d) stratified sampling schemes be applied where possible to reflect variability across study sites; (e) standard laboratory techniques be used to differentiate among labile and stable SOC fractions; and (f) more long-term, diachronic approaches be used to assess SOC change. We conclude with suggestions for future research to further improve the comparability of SOC measurements across sites and nations.

Bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) is one strategy to remove CO₂ from the atmosphere. To assess the potential scale and cost of CO₂ sequestration from BECCS in the US, this analysis models carbon sequestration net of supply chain emissions and costs of biomass production, delivery, power generation, and CO₂ capture and sequestration in saline formations. The analysis includes two biomass supply scenarios (near-term and long-term), two biomass logistics scenarios (conventional and pelletized), and two generation technologies (pulverized combustion and integrated gasification combined cycle). Results show marginal cost per tonne CO₂ (accounting for costs of electricity and CO₂ emissions of reference power generation scenarios) as a function of CO₂ sequestered (simulating capture of up to 90% of total CO₂ sequestration potential) and associated spatial distribution of resources and generation locations for the array of scenario options. Under a near-term scenario using up to 206 million tonnes per year of biomass, up to 181 million tonnes CO₂ can be sequestered annually at scenario-average costs ranging from $62 to $137 per tonne CO₂; under a long-term scenario using up to 740 million tonnes per year of biomass, up to 737 million tonnes CO₂ can be sequestered annually at scenario-average costs ranging from $42 to $92 per tonne CO₂. These estimates of CO₂ sequestration potential may be reduced if future competing demand reduces resource availability or may be increased if displaced emissions from conventional power sources are included. Results suggest there are large-scale opportunities to implement BECCS at moderate cost in the US, particularly in the Midwest, Plains States, and Texas.

Bioenergy provided the largest single source of renewable energy in the United States in 2022, comprising approximately 5% of U.S. energy produced (EIA 2023) (Figure ES-1). The mission of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) is to develop and demonstrate technologies to accelerate net greenhouse gas emissions reductions through the cost-effective, sustainable use of biomass and waste feedstocks across the U.S. economy. This report assesses the potential for renewable biomass resources to support DOE goals by displacing fossil resources such as petroleum with renewable biogenic carbon resources that, when managed efficiently, have a lower climate impact than petroleum sources of carbon. Demand for renewable fuels is growing, especially for the aviation, marine, and rail sectors. For example, the Biden administration’s Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Grand Challenge targets the production of 35 billion gallons per year of SAF by 2050. Such targets raise the question: Does the United States have sufficient biomass supplies, within a practical range of environmental, economic, and resource constraints, to fill these needs? The answer is yes, provided adequate markets can be established, and that environmental safeguards are established to ensure sustainable outcomes. This report aims to inform stakeholders of the types and quantities of biomass resources that could potentially be available in the future and under what conditions. The report provides a detailed assessment of current and potential biomass production capacity in the United States at defined price points and under conditions that protect food production and environmental integrity.

Consumption of renewable energy in the United States is the highest in history, contributing to energy security, greenhouse gas reductions, and other social, economic, and environmental benefits. The largest single source of renewable energy is biomass, representing 3.9 quadrillion of 9.6 quadrillion British thermal units (Btu) in 2015 (EIA 2016). Biomass includes agricultural and forestry resources, municipal solid waste (MSW), and algae. For more than a decade, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has been quantifying the potential of U.S. biomass resources, under biophysical and economic constraints, for production of renewable energy and bioproducts. The 2016 Billion-Ton Report: Advancing Domestic Resources for a Thriving Bioeconomy (BT16) evaluates the most recent estimates of potential biomass that could be available for new industrial uses in the future. BT16 consists of two volumes: Volume 1 (this volume) focuses on resource analysis—projecting biomass potentially available at specified prices. Volume 2 evaluates changes in environmental sustainability indicators— water quality and quantity, greenhouse gas emissions, air quality, soil organic carbon, and biodiversity—associated with select production scenarios in volume 1. The following is a summary of BT16, volume 1.