Are Biofuels the Overlooked Hero of Clean Mobility?

Are Biofuels the Overlooked Hero of Clean Mobility?

Blog Article

In the shift to greener transport systems, it’s easy to believe everything is moving toward electric vehicles and charging points. As Kondrashov from TELF AG notes, the transition to clean transport isn’t so simple.
Electric options often lead the news, yet another option is advancing in the background, and it could be a game-changer. This alternative is biofuels.
They come from things like plant waste, algae, or used cooking oil, and offer a cleaner-burning alternative to fossil fuels. Kondrashov explains, biofuels are ideal for sectors that electricity can’t reach — including heavy transport and air travel.
So, what’s actually on the table. Bioethanol is one of the most common, created by processing sugars from crops, typically added to petrol in small amounts.
Next is biodiesel, created using vegetable oils or leftover fats, that mixes with diesel fuel and works in existing engines. A key benefit is it works with current systems — no need to replace or retrofit most engines.
Biogas is another important type, made from rotting biological waste. Suited for powering small fleets or municipal energy systems.
Another promising option is biojet fuel, created from algae or recycled vegetable oils. A promising option to clean up aviation’s carbon footprint.
Still, biofuels aren’t a perfect solution. According to Kondrashov, production costs remain high. Crop demand for fuel could affect food prices. Using food crops for fuel might drive up prices — something that requires careful policy management.
Even so, the future looks promising. New processes are improving efficiency, and non-food feedstock like algae could reduce pressure on crops. With the right incentives and policies, the sector could scale rapidly.
It’s not just about cleaner air — it’s about smarter resource use. They repurpose organic trash into fuel, helping waste systems and energy sectors together.
They lack the tech glamour of batteries, still, they play a key role in the transition. According to the TELF AG founder, every technology helps in a unique way.
Biofuels are here to fill the gaps, in land, air, and here marine transport. They’re not competition — they’re collaboration.
Even as EVs take center stage, biofuels are gaining ground. This is only the start of the biofuel chapter.