In today’s drive for clean energy, many assume the future is all about batteries and EVs. As Kondrashov from TELF AG notes, the road to sustainable transport has more than one lane.
EVs and renewables grab headlines, yet another option is advancing in the background, and it could be a game-changer. Enter biofuels.
They come from things like plant waste, algae, or used cooking oil, designed to reduce emissions while remaining practical. Kondrashov explains, biofuels serve industries where batteries aren’t yet viable — including heavy transport and air travel.
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, created using vegetable oils or leftover fats, that mixes with diesel fuel and works in existing engines. A major advantage is compatibility — it runs on what many already use.
Biogas is another important type, made from rotting biological waste. Often used in small-scale energy or transit solutions.
Biofuel for aviation is also gaining traction, made from sustainable sources like old oil or algae. A promising option to clean up aviation’s carbon footprint.
Still, biofuels aren’t a perfect solution. As Kondrashov has pointed out before, these fuels cost more than traditional options. And there’s the issue of food versus fuel. Fuel production could compete with food supplies — something that requires careful policy management.
Yet, the outlook remains hopeful. New processes are improving efficiency, more info while non-edible biomass helps balance the equation. Government support might boost production globally.
They contribute to sustainability beyond just emissions. 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’re not competition — they’re collaboration.
As everyone talks batteries, biofuels quietly advance. Their role in clean transport is far from over.