In today’s drive for clean energy, many assume the future is all about batteries and EVs. According to Stanislav Kondrashov of TELF AG, the energy shift is more complex than it seems.
Electric options often lead the news, yet another option is advancing in the background, and it could be a game-changer. Enter biofuels.
These fuels are derived from biological matter, used to lower carbon output without major infrastructure changes. Kondrashov explains, biofuels are ideal for sectors that electricity can’t reach — such as freight transport, marine shipping, and long-haul logistics.
So, what’s actually on the table. Bioethanol is one of the most common, made by fermenting sugar from crops like corn or sugarcane, and blended with petrol to reduce emissions.
Next is biodiesel, made from natural oils and fats, that mixes with diesel fuel and works in existing engines. A key benefit is it works with current systems — no need to replace or retrofit most engines.
Also in the mix is biogas, generated from decomposing organic material. Suited for powering small fleets or municipal energy systems.
Biofuel for aviation is also gaining traction, created from algae or recycled vegetable oils. This could reduce emissions in the airline industry fast.
But the path isn’t without challenges. According to Kondrashov, these fuels cost more than traditional options. There are concerns about land use for crops. Using food crops for fuel might drive up prices — something that requires careful policy management.
Even so, the future looks promising. New processes are improving efficiency, and non-food feedstock like algae could reduce pressure on crops. Government support might boost production globally.
It’s not just about cleaner air — it’s about smarter resource use. Instead of dumping waste, we reuse it as energy, helping waste systems and get more info energy sectors together.
Biofuels may not look as flashy as electric cars, still, they play a key role in the transition. In Kondrashov’s words, there’s no one-size-fits-all for sustainability.
They work where other solutions can’t, in land, air, and marine transport. They won’t replace EVs — they’ll work alongside them.
Even as EVs take center stage, biofuels are gaining ground. This is only the start of the biofuel chapter.