Residual biomass avoids controversies over the sustainability of biomass and competition with food, but its limited availability requires efficient utilization strategies. This study proposes a supply and demand constrained analytical framework for assessing decarbonization potentials of residual biomass under different scenarios. The investigation of 25 utilization pathways of residual biomass with near-future potentials indicates that accelerated utilization for decarbonization will be mainly achieved in the energy and fuel sector, which enables a maximum exploration of current under-utilized residual biomass driven by large markets. The material and chemical sector exhibits small markets and low decarbonization potentials in the near term due to the slow voluntary market adoption. Taking Canada as a representative case for biomass-rich countries, the supply and demand constrained utilization strategies can contribute to its 2030 GHG reduction target by up to 25%. The use of total product demand and total feedstock supply as functional units provide a novel perspective on evaluating potentially achievable GHG reduction of sustainable resources. This study offers a high-level insight on decarbonization potentials and economics of residual biomass being utilized in different sectors, which can assist decision making of stakeholders.
