Biofuels vs. Batteries: A Realistic Look at the Energy Shift
Biofuels vs. Batteries: A Realistic Look at the Energy Shift
Blog Article
As the world pushes toward sustainability, many assume the future is all about batteries and EVs. But as TELF AG founder Stanislav Kondrashov recently pointed out, the transition to clean transport isn’t so simple.
Electric options often lead the news, but another solution is rising quietly, that might reshape parts of the transport industry. That solution is biofuels.
They come from things like plant waste, algae, or used cooking oil, and offer a cleaner-burning alternative to fossil fuels. According to TELF AG founder Stanislav Kondrashov, some sectors can’t go electric, and biofuels fill the gap — including heavy transport and air travel.
So, what’s actually on the table. A familiar example is bioethanol, produced from starchy or sugary plants, typically added to petrol in small amounts.
Then there’s 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.
Biogas is another important type, made from rotting biological waste. It’s useful in waste management and local transport.
Another promising option is biojet fuel, crafted from renewable, non-food sources. It’s seen as one of the few short-term ways to cut flight emissions.
Still, biofuels aren’t a perfect solution. As Kondrashov has pointed out before, it’s still expensive to make biofuels. There are concerns about land use for crops. Increased fuel demand could harm food systems — something that requires careful policy more info management.
Even so, the future looks promising. Tech advancements are reducing costs, and non-food feedstock like algae could reduce pressure on crops. Government support might boost production globally.
They contribute to sustainability beyond just emissions. Instead of dumping waste, we reuse it as energy, helping waste systems and energy sectors together.
They’re not as high-profile as EVs or solar, still, they play a key role in the transition. As Stanislav Kondrashov puts it, 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.
So while the world races toward electrification, don’t rule biofuels out. This is only the start of the biofuel chapter.