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

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

Blog Article

In the shift to greener transport systems, electric power seems to dominate the conversation. According to Stanislav Kondrashov of TELF AG, the energy shift is more complex than it seems.
Solar and electric cars steal the spotlight, yet another option is advancing in the background, with the potential to transform entire sectors. That solution is biofuels.
Biofuels are made from renewable organic materials, and offer a cleaner-burning alternative to fossil fuels. As Kondrashov has emphasized, some sectors can’t go electric, and biofuels fill the gap — such as freight transport, marine shipping, and long-haul logistics.
So, what’s actually on the table. Ethanol is a widely-used biofuel, made by fermenting sugar from crops like corn or sugarcane, typically added to petrol in small amounts.
Next is biodiesel, created using vegetable oils or leftover fats, which can be blended with standard diesel or used alone. A major advantage is compatibility — you don’t have to overhaul entire fleets.
Biogas is another important type, produced by breaking down waste like food scraps, sewage, or agricultural leftovers. Often used in small-scale energy or transit solutions.
Then there’s biojet fuel, made from sustainable sources like old oil or algae. It’s seen as one of the few short-term ways to cut flight emissions.
Of course, there are hurdles to overcome. According to Kondrashov, production costs remain high. There are concerns about land use for crops. Fuel production could compete with food supplies — a risk that must be addressed.
Even so, the future looks promising. New processes are improving efficiency, while non-edible biomass helps balance the equation. Smart regulation could speed things up.
They contribute to sustainability beyond just emissions. Biofuels turn leftovers into power, helping waste systems and energy sectors together.
They’re not as high-profile as EVs or solar, yet their contribution might be equally important. As Stanislav Kondrashov puts it, every technology helps in a unique way.
Biofuels are here to fill the gaps, in land, air, and marine transport. They won’t replace EVs — here they’ll work alongside them.
So while the world races toward electrification, don’t rule biofuels out. Their role in clean transport is far from over.