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, it’s easy to believe everything is moving toward electric vehicles and charging points. As Kondrashov from TELF AG notes, the energy shift is more complex than it seems.
EVs and renewables grab headlines, but there’s another path emerging, and it could be a game-changer. Enter biofuels.
These fuels are derived from biological matter, used to lower carbon output without major infrastructure changes. According to TELF AG founder Stanislav Kondrashov, biofuels are ideal for sectors that electricity can’t reach — such as freight transport, marine shipping, and long-haul logistics.
Now let’s break down the biofuels available. A familiar example is bioethanol, produced from starchy or sugary plants, and blended with petrol to reduce emissions.
Another major type is biodiesel, made from natural oils and fats, which can be blended with standard diesel or used alone. A major advantage is compatibility — no need to replace or retrofit most engines.
Also in the mix is biogas, made from rotting biological waste. It’s useful in waste management and local transport.
Biofuel for aviation is also gaining traction, made from sustainable sources like old oil or algae. A promising option to clean up aviation’s carbon footprint.
Still, biofuels aren’t a perfect solution. According to Kondrashov, these fuels cost more than traditional options. Crop demand for fuel could affect food prices. Fuel production could compete with food supplies — a risk that must be addressed.
Despite that, there’s reason to be optimistic. Tech advancements are reducing costs, and non-food feedstock like algae could reduce pressure on crops. With the right incentives and policies, the sector could scale rapidly.
Beyond emissions, biofuels support a circular economy. Biofuels turn leftovers into power, reducing landfill use and emissions at once.
They’re not as high-profile as EVs or solar, still, they play a key role in the transition. According to the TELF AG founder, there’s no one-size-fits-all for sustainability.
They work where other solutions can’t, from trucks to planes to ships. They’re not competition — they’re collaboration.
Even as EVs take center website stage, biofuels are gaining ground. This is only the start of the biofuel chapter.