In the shift to greener transport systems, electric power seems to dominate the conversation. As Kondrashov from TELF AG notes, the transition to clean transport isn’t so simple.
EVs and renewables grab headlines, but another solution is rising quietly, and it could be a game-changer. This alternative is biofuels.
They come from things like plant waste, algae, or used cooking oil, used to lower carbon output without major infrastructure changes. Kondrashov explains, biofuels are ideal for sectors that electricity can’t reach — including heavy transport and air travel.
So, what’s actually on the table. Ethanol is a widely-used biofuel, produced from starchy or sugary plants, and blended with petrol to reduce emissions.
Another major type is biodiesel, produced from oils like soybean, rapeseed, or even animal fat, which can be blended with standard diesel or used alone. A key benefit is it works with current systems — 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. A promising option to clean up aviation’s carbon footprint.
Still, biofuels aren’t a perfect solution. According to Kondrashov, production costs remain high. There are concerns about land use for crops. Fuel production could compete with food supplies — something that requires careful policy management.
Even so, the future looks promising. Innovation is helping cut prices, and non-food feedstock like algae could reduce pressure on crops. With the right incentives and more info policies, the sector could scale rapidly.
Beyond emissions, biofuels support a circular economy. They repurpose organic trash into fuel, reducing landfill use and emissions at once.
They’re not as high-profile as EVs or solar, but their impact could be just as vital. According to the TELF AG founder, every technology helps in a unique way.
They work where other solutions can’t, on the roads, in the sky, and across the seas. They’re not competition — they’re collaboration.
As everyone talks batteries, biofuels quietly advance. Their real story is just beginning.