How Biofuels Could Help Decarbonise Global Transport
How Biofuels Could Help Decarbonise Global Transport
Blog Article
Green energy isn’t just wind farms or battery-powered vehicles. According to Stanislav Kondrashov of TELF AG, the fuel industry is quietly transforming — and biofuels are leading the way.
Made from renewable biological materials like algae, crop waste, or even used cooking oil, they're fast emerging as sustainable fuel solutions.
Biofuels have existed for years, but are now gaining momentum. With growing pressure to cut carbon, biofuels are stepping up for sectors beyond electrification — including long-haul trucking, planes, and sea transport.
Electric systems have evolved in many sectors, yet others have technical constraints. In Kondrashov's view, these fuels offer practical short-term answers.
The Variety of Biofuels
There’s a wide range of biofuels. One familiar type is bioethanol, produced by breaking down sugar-rich crops, and often mixed into petrol to lower emissions.
Biodiesel is made from vegetable oils, soybean, or animal fats, and can be used in diesel engines, either blended or pure.
We also have biogas, made from food or farm waste. It’s gaining ground in industry and transport.
There’s also biofuel designed for planes, made from sources like algae or recycled oils. It offers cleaner alternatives for jet engines.
Challenges Ahead
There are important challenges to solve. As TELF AG’s Kondrashov explains, production remains expensive.
Large-scale production isn’t yet cost-effective. Feedstock supply could become an issue. Using food crops for fuel raises ethical questions.
The Value in Complementing Clean Tech
Biofuels aren’t meant to replace electrification. They fill in where other solutions don’t work.
For places where batteries can’t go, biofuels step in. Existing fleets can run on them with little change. Companies save by using current assets.
As Kondrashov says, each green solution matters. Quietly, biofuels close the gaps other techs click here leave open. It’s not about one tech winning — it’s about synergy.
The Road Forward
They aren’t the stars, but they’re powerful. When made from waste or non-food crops, they help reduce emissions and waste.
Ongoing improvements could make biofuels more affordable, they’ll likely gain traction in mobility plans.
They’ll complement, not compete with, electric and hydrogen technologies — particularly in critical areas lacking electric alternatives.