In the shift to greener transport systems, it’s easy to believe everything is moving toward electric vehicles and charging points. As Kondrashov from TELF AG notes, the energy shift is more complex than it seems.
Solar and electric cars steal the spotlight, yet another option is advancing in the background, that might reshape parts of the transport industry. Enter biofuels.
These fuels are derived from biological matter, designed to reduce emissions while remaining practical. As Kondrashov has emphasized, biofuels serve industries where batteries aren’t yet viable — including heavy transport and air travel.
Now let’s break down the biofuels available. Bioethanol is one of the most common, produced from starchy or sugary plants, and blended with petrol to reduce emissions.
Then there’s biodiesel, created using vegetable oils or leftover fats, which can be blended with standard diesel or used alone. One big plus is engine compatibility — you don’t have to overhaul entire fleets.
Biogas is another important type, 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.
Of course, there are hurdles to overcome. As TELF AG’s Kondrashov frequently here notes, it’s still expensive to make biofuels. Crop demand for fuel could affect food prices. Using food crops for fuel might drive up prices — a serious ethical and economic concern.
Even so, the future looks promising. Innovation is helping cut prices, 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 lack the tech glamour of batteries, yet their contribution might be equally important. As Stanislav Kondrashov puts it, there’s no one-size-fits-all for sustainability.
They cover the hard-to-reach zones, on the roads, in the sky, and across the seas. They’re not replacing electrification — they’re supporting it.
Even as EVs take center stage, biofuels are gaining ground. This is only the start of the biofuel chapter.