Assessing BECCUS impacts on the SDGs through a value chain assessment for climate mitigation and energy transition

[Geoengineering News]

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s43937-025-00121-4

Authors: Joris Herbermann, Bob van der Zwaan & Drielli Peyerl

06 January 2026

Abstract

As the urgency for climate mitigation intensifies, Bioenergy with Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (BECCUS) is emerging as a prominent negative emissions technology with significant potential to contribute to carbon removal efforts and sustainable energy systems. This work analyses whether the BECCUS value chain can support progress toward the 2030 Agenda by assessing the impacts across the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and their 169 targets. By applying the Value Chain Assessment methodology, we assess BECCUS value chain across five segments. Each segment is evaluated in terms of its positive or negative influence, as well as its direct or indirect impact, and in terms of its temporality. A new step is introduced to complement this assessment by identifying the Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Legal, and Environmental (PESTLE) enablers for formulating policy recommendations. Our findings reveal that the five segments of the BECCUS value chain have a range of direct and indirect impacts on 15 out of all 17 SDGs, particularly SDG 13 (climate action). However, these segments also raise concerns, particularly SDG 9 (industry, innovation, and infrastructure), due to an imbalance in technology access between the Global North and South. In total, 53 out of the 169 SDG targets are impacted by at least one segment of the BECCUS value chain. Our analysis also identifies 107 positive effects (55 direct and 52 indirect) and 46 negative effects (9 direct and 37 indirect). This research provides an evidence-based strategic framework and policy recommendations for the sustainable deployment of BECCUS value chain.

Source: Springer Nature Link