ClimateJuly 10, 2026

bioenergy

/ˌbaɪoʊˈɛnərdʒi/

Definition

Energy derived from biological sources, such as organic matter, which in this context is coupled with carbon capture and storage technologies to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

Etymology

The word is a modern compound formed from the Greek 'bios' (life) and 'energeia' (activity or operation). It entered English in the 20th century to describe energy generated from renewable biological materials.

In the news

The article uses the term to describe 'bioenergy with carbon capture and storage' (BECCS) as a specific method for directly removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. It is highlighted here as a key technology in the broader suite of carbon dioxide removal practices.

Beyond Storage: How Captured Carbon Can Be Utilized

Read the full article ↗

Bipartisan Policy Center

Related words

Learn a word like this every day

Meet one new word every morning.

Newspoken pulls one carefully chosen word from the day’s news — with a clear definition, context, and light review that makes it stick. Get it on your phone.

Not for marketing. One email on launch day.