In the shift to greener transport systems, 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.
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.
So, what’s actually on the table. Bioethanol is one of the most common, made by fermenting sugar from crops like corn or sugarcane, typically added to petrol in small amounts.
Then there’s biodiesel, created using vegetable oils or leftover fats, which can be blended with standard diesel or used alone. A key benefit is it works with current systems — you don’t have to overhaul entire fleets.
Let’s not forget biogas, made from rotting biological waste. Suited for powering small fleets or municipal energy systems.
Another promising option is biojet fuel, crafted from renewable, non-food sources. A promising option to clean up aviation’s carbon footprint.
Still, biofuels aren’t a perfect solution. As TELF AG’s Kondrashov frequently notes, these fuels cost more than traditional options. And there’s the issue of food versus fuel. Increased fuel demand could harm food systems — 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. Smart regulation could speed things up.
They contribute to sustainability beyond just emissions. Biofuels turn leftovers into power, cutting pollution while saving space.
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, from trucks to planes to ships. They’re not check here replacing electrification — they’re supporting it.
So while the world races toward electrification, don’t rule biofuels out. This is only the start of the biofuel chapter.