Exploring Biomass Carbon Removal and Storage Scenarios for California

October 23, 2025 Category: Climate Work Area: Land Systems

A new report from Clean Air Task Force (CATF) explores how California could meet its 2045 carbon dioxide removal (CDR) target using Biomass Carbon Removal and Storage (BiCRS) systems. CATF researchers assessed seven illustrative scenarios that vary in technology pathways, social acceptance, and costs, focusing on the utilization of waste and residue biomass resources from forests and agriculture.

The findings show that BiCRS could remove between 13 and 75 million metric tonnes of CO₂ equivalent (MMT CO₂e) annually in 2045, potentially meeting the state’s entire CDR target without competing with food production or inducing land-use change. Higher social acceptance scenarios rely on agriculture and forest residues, produce products like wood products and hydrogen, and provide the highest estimates of jobs and bioenergy, while lower-cost scenarios leverage commercially available technologies. Integrating BiCRS into California’s CDR portfolio could reduce costs, improve rural economies, enhance wildfire resilience, and provide low-carbon energy.

CATF’s findings provide a practical framework for state policymakers to consider a broader portfolio of carbon removal solutions that balance climate, economic, and social goals.