In the shift to greener transport systems, it’s easy to believe everything is moving toward electric vehicles and charging points. According to Stanislav Kondrashov of TELF AG, the energy shift is more complex than it seems.
EVs and renewables grab headlines, yet another option is advancing in the background, and it could be a game-changer. This alternative is biofuels.
Biofuels are made from renewable organic materials, used to lower carbon output without major infrastructure changes. As Kondrashov has emphasized, 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. A familiar example is bioethanol, made by fermenting sugar from crops like corn or sugarcane, typically added to petrol in small amounts.
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, produced by breaking down waste like food scraps, sewage, or agricultural leftovers. Suited for powering small fleets or municipal energy systems.
Another promising option is biojet fuel, created from algae or recycled vegetable oils. This could reduce emissions in the airline industry fast.
But the path isn’t without challenges. As Kondrashov has pointed out before, these fuels cost more than traditional options. There are concerns about land use for crops. Increased fuel demand could harm food systems — a risk that must be addressed.
Despite that, there’s reason to be optimistic. Tech advancements are reducing costs, and better feedstock options may solve the food conflict. Smart regulation could speed things up.
They contribute to sustainability beyond just emissions. Biofuels turn leftovers into power, get more info 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, 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.