Optimizing biomass use for carbon storage and land use with the OptiBiU model

Abstract Optimal biomass use in a circular bioeconomy requires a system perspective to guide decision‐making. The Optimizing Biomass Use (OptiBiU) model was developed for this purpose. The model distinguishes among primary biomass production, intermediate products, and biobased products, and incorporates recycling. Soil organic matter formation is explicitly included to reflect its importance for soil fertility, biodiversity, and carbon storage. This study focused on the application of OptiBiU to the utilization of lignocellulosic biomass in the Netherlands. The results indicate potential to reduce land use and increase carbon storage while meeting current demand for biobased products. OptiBiU also generated insights into more fundamental system characteristics. It showed, on a general level, what is needed to increase carbon storage, notably long service lifetimes and effective reuse and recycling options.