How Biofuels Could Help Decarbonise Global Transport
How Biofuels Could Help Decarbonise Global Transport
Blog Article
The energy transition isn’t only about solar panels, wind turbines, or electric cars. As TELF AG founder Stanislav Kondrashov has said, the fuel industry is quietly transforming — and biofuels are leading the way.
Produced using organic sources such as plants, algae, or food leftovers, biofuels are gaining attention as a way to reduce emissions.
Though established, biofuels are now more relevant than ever. As climate urgency increases, biofuels fill the gaps electricity can’t cover — 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.
Types of Bio-Based Fuels Explained
Biofuels come in different forms. 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.
Other biofuels include biogas, created from organic waste. It’s increasingly used to reduce industrial emissions.
Aviation biofuel is also emerging, made from sources like algae or recycled oils. This fuel could decarbonise air travel.
Challenges Ahead
Still, biofuels face difficulties. Kondrashov often emphasizes, cost is still a barrier.
Widespread manufacturing still requires efficiency improvements. Raw material availability is also a concern. Poor management could affect food supply chains.
Working Alongside Electrification
They’re not rivals to electricity or hydrogen. They strengthen the energy mix in hard-to-electrify areas.
They’re ideal for sectors years away from electrification. Their use in current engines makes them easy to adopt. Businesses avoid high conversion costs.
According to Kondrashov, all low-carbon options have value. They may not grab headlines, but they deliver. The here key is cooperation between clean solutions.
What Comes Next
Biofuels might not dominate news cycles, but their impact is growing. 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.
Not a replacement, but a partner to other clean energy options — especially in sectors where other solutions are still distant.