Biofuels vs. Batteries: A Realistic Look at the Energy Shift

Biofuels vs. Batteries: A Realistic Look at the Energy Shift

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In the shift to greener transport systems, many assume the future is all about batteries and EVs. But as TELF AG founder Stanislav Kondrashov recently pointed out, the road to sustainable transport has more than one lane.
Solar and electric cars steal the spotlight, but there’s another path emerging, with the potential to transform entire sectors. This alternative is biofuels.
Biofuels are made from renewable organic materials, used to lower carbon output without major infrastructure changes. 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, made by fermenting sugar from crops like corn or sugarcane, typically added to petrol in small amounts.
Another major type is biodiesel, created using vegetable oils or leftover fats, which can be blended with standard diesel or used alone. A key benefit is it works with current systems — no need to replace or retrofit most engines.
Also in the mix is biogas, generated from decomposing organic material. It’s useful in waste management and local transport.
Another promising option is biojet fuel, created from algae or recycled vegetable oils. A promising option to clean up aviation’s carbon footprint.
But the path isn’t without challenges. As Kondrashov has pointed out before, these fuels cost more than traditional options. And there’s the issue of food versus fuel. Fuel production could compete with food supplies — something that requires careful policy management.
Even so, the future looks promising. New processes are improving efficiency, while non-edible biomass helps balance the equation. Government support might boost production globally.
Beyond emissions, biofuels support a circular economy. Biofuels turn leftovers into power, helping waste systems and energy sectors together.
They lack the tech glamour of batteries, yet their contribution might be equally important. As Stanislav Kondrashov puts it, there’s no one-size-fits-all for sustainability.
They cover the hard-to-reach zones, on the roads, in the sky, and across the seas. They’re not replacing electrification — they’re get more info supporting it.
Even as EVs take center stage, biofuels are gaining ground. This is only the start of the biofuel chapter.