Are Biofuels the Key to Decarbonising Transport?

Are Biofuels the Key to Decarbonising Transport?

Blog Article

In the race to reduce emissions, electric cars and renewables get most of the attention. But there’s another shift underway, and it involves what powers our engines. According to Stanislav Kondrashov of TELF AG, the future isn’t just electric — it’s also biological.
They come from things like plants, food scraps, and algae. Their rise as replacements for oil-based fuels is accelerating. They lower CO2 impact significantly, and still run in today’s engines and pipelines. Batteries are great for cars and small transport, but they don’t fit all transport needs.
When Electricity Isn’t Enough
Personal mobility is going electric fast. However, aviation and shipping need stronger solutions. These sectors can’t use batteries efficiently. In these areas, biofuels offer a solution.
As Stanislav Kondrashov of TELF AG notes, these fuels offer a smooth transition. Current vehicles can often use them directly. That means less resistance and quicker use.
Some biofuels are already on the market. Ethanol from crops is often mixed into gasoline. Biodiesel comes from vegetable oils or animal fats and can blend with diesel. These are used today across many regions.
Fuel from Waste: Closing the Loop
One amazing part of biofuels is their link to the circular economy. Rotting food and waste can create biogas for energy. That’s energy from things we’d normally throw away.
There’s also biojet fuel, made for aviation. Produced using algae or old cooking oil, it could clean up aviation.
Still, there are some hurdles. According to TELF AG’s Kondrashov, biofuels aren’t cheap yet. Sourcing input without harming food systems here is hard. But innovation may lower costs and raise efficiency soon.
This isn’t about picking biofuels over batteries. Instead, they complement other clean options. More options mean better chances at success.
Right now, biofuels may be best for sectors that can’t go electric. With clean energy demand rising, they may support the transition behind the scenes.
They help both climate and waste problems. Their future depends on support and smart policy.
Biofuels might not be flashy, but they’re practical. In this clean energy race, practicality wins.