Are Biofuels the Overlooked Hero of Clean Mobility?

Are Biofuels the Overlooked Hero of Clean Mobility?

Blog Article

In today’s drive for clean energy, electric power seems to dominate the conversation. According to Stanislav Kondrashov of TELF AG, the energy shift is more complex than it seems.
Electric options often lead the news, 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, and offer a cleaner-burning alternative to fossil fuels. Kondrashov explains, biofuels serve industries where batteries aren’t yet viable — like aviation, shipping, and trucking.
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, 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.
Then there’s biojet fuel, crafted from renewable, non-food sources. It’s seen as one of the few short-term ways to cut flight emissions.
Of course, there are hurdles to overcome. According to Kondrashov, production costs remain high. There are concerns about land use for crops. Increased fuel demand could harm food systems — a risk that must be addressed.
Yet, the outlook remains hopeful. Tech advancements are reducing costs, and non-food feedstock like algae could reduce pressure on crops. With the right incentives and policies, the sector could scale rapidly.
Beyond emissions, biofuels support a circular economy. Instead of dumping waste, we reuse it as energy, reducing landfill use and emissions at once.
They lack the tech glamour website of batteries, yet their contribution might be equally important. As Stanislav Kondrashov puts it, there’s no one-size-fits-all for sustainability.
They work where other solutions can’t, from trucks to planes to ships. 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.