Net-zero emission goals require shifting to cleaner energy sources and removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Bioenergy and carbon capture technologies are key tools for achieving this. However, assuming bioenergy is carbon neutral may lead to mistakes in decision-making. By modeling forest carbon flows in an energy system model, researchers found that this assumption can be misleading. Forest management strategies that enhance carbon sequestration can reduce the need for costly carbon removal technologies. Integrating forest sequestration into decarbonization plans can make the transition to a low-carbon future more efficient and effective.