Policy Instruments for Bioenergy Development: Review, Classification, and Systematic Analysis

Bioenergy is a cornerstone of the global energy transition and is vital to achieving ambitious climate goals such as the IEA’s Net Zero Emissions by 2050 Roadmap and the Paris Agreement. However, its deployment is still limited by high capital costs and low cost-competitiveness. Numerous studies have examined policy measures to support bioenergy development, but a comprehensive review of these policies is needed to identify effective strategies. This study presents a systematic literature review that classifies and analyzes supportive policy instruments for bioenergy promotion, filling a key gap in earlier reviews. In doing so, we present a classification framework of the supporting policies and investigate their co-occurrence, modeling methodologies, and supply chain impacts across 156 peer-reviewed articles (2015–2025). The analysis reveals that price-based instruments are the most prevalent policy mechanisms, often combined with market-based approaches creating integrated support schemes. The review and its findings could provide a benchmark for policymakers and researchers seeking to design targeted, fiscally sustainable, and effective interventions to accelerate bioenergy transition.