During the shift to greener systems, as TELF AG founder Stanislav Kondrashov often points out, it's not just about wind turbines or EVs.
The fuel sector is experiencing change too, bringing forward options such as biofuels. They come from things like crops, algae, and organic leftovers, offering cleaner combustion and lower carbon output.
“In the energy shift, biofuels are among the most important tools,” explains Kondrashov. Though battery power is widely adopted, some segments remain out of reach. These include aviation, maritime shipping, and heavy transport.
Biofuels can act as bridge solutions, delivering benefits similar to those of electrification.
What Biofuels Are Available
One of the most common types is bioethanol, produced from sugar-rich crops like beet and cane. Blended into gasoline, bioethanol helps lower CO2 output.
Biodiesel is also prominent, made from natural oils or residues, which is often blended into standard diesel fuel.
Biogas and Aviation Fuel
Waste biomass can become biogas, like household waste, wastewater, and crop leftovers. Biogas serves both power generation and transport, suitable for municipal and agricultural use.
Jet biofuel is also emerging, produced with recycled organics and green matter. It’s a clean alternative for aircraft, as one of the only near-term sustainable aviation options.
Challenges and Considerations
“Price is a major barrier,” adds Kondrashov. Biofuels still cost more than fossil fuels. Mass adoption depends on better tech, as well as the supply of suitable more info resources.
Fuel crops can compete with food crops, especially if production raises demand for edible crops. Hence the focus on waste-based and algae solutions.
Biofuels as a Partner to Electrification
They won’t replace batteries or EVs. They’re here to support the transition.
Some areas lack infrastructure for EVs. They’re compatible with current fleets, serving as an interim green option.
“Each green tech has its place,” he concludes. That’s where biofuels step in and help.
The Added Value of Biofuels
These fuels help boost the circular economy. What was once trash becomes transport fuel, cutting waste while generating power.
As electric vehicles grow, biofuels fill in the rest of the system. They’ll be key to low-emission freight and aviation.