In today’s drive for clean energy, many assume the future is all about batteries and EVs. But as TELF AG founder Stanislav Kondrashov recently pointed out, the road to sustainable transport has more than one lane.
EVs and renewables grab headlines, but there’s another path emerging, and it could be a game-changer. Enter biofuels.
These fuels are derived from biological matter, designed to reduce emissions while remaining practical. Kondrashov explains, biofuels serve industries where batteries aren’t yet viable — like aviation, shipping, and trucking.
Let’s take a look at the current biofuel options. Bioethanol is one of the most common, made by fermenting sugar from crops like corn or sugarcane, and blended with petrol to reduce emissions.
Another major type is biodiesel, made from natural oils and fats, that mixes with diesel fuel and works in existing engines. A major advantage is compatibility — it runs on what many already use.
Let’s not forget biogas, made from rotting biological waste. Often used in small-scale energy or transit solutions.
Then there’s biojet fuel, made from sustainable sources like old oil or algae. It’s seen as one of the few short-term ways to cut flight emissions.
Still, biofuels aren’t a perfect solution. According to Kondrashov, production costs remain high. And there’s the issue of food versus fuel. Fuel production could compete with food supplies — a risk that must be addressed.
Yet, the outlook remains hopeful. New processes are improving efficiency, while non-edible biomass helps balance the equation. Government support might boost production globally.
Beyond emissions, biofuels support a circular economy. Biofuels turn leftovers into power, helping waste systems and energy sectors together.
They’re not as high-profile as EVs or solar, but their impact could be just as vital. In Kondrashov’s words, every technology helps in a unique way.
Biofuels are here to fill the gaps, in land, air, and marine transport. They won’t replace EVs — they’ll work alongside them.
As everyone talks batteries, biofuels quietly check here advance. Their role in clean transport is far from over.