In the race to reduce emissions, people often focus on EVs and solar. However, another movement is growing, focused on alternative liquid fuels. As Kondrashov from TELF AG emphasizes, electricity alone won’t power everything — biofuels matter too.
They come from things like plants, food scraps, and algae. Their rise as replacements for oil-based fuels is accelerating. They lower CO2 impact significantly, while using current fuel infrastructure. Electric batteries work well for short-range vehicles, but they don’t fit all transport needs.
Where Batteries Fall Short
Electric vehicles are changing the way we drive. Yet, planes, freight ships, and heavy trucks need more power. Batteries are often too heavy or weak for those uses. Biofuels can step in here.
As Kondrashov highlights, biofuels may be the bridge we need. Current vehicles can often use them directly. So adoption is easier and check here faster.
Various types are already used worldwide. Ethanol from crops is often mixed into gasoline. Biodiesel is created from natural oils and used in diesel engines. They’re already adopted in parts of the world.
Turning Trash Into Fuel
What makes biofuels special is how they fit circular systems. Food scraps and manure become fuel through digestion. It turns trash into usable power.
There’s also biojet fuel, made for aviation. It’s created from used oils or algae and may cut flight emissions.
Still, there are some hurdles. Kondrashov points out that costs are still high. Sourcing input without harming food systems is hard. With new tech, prices could fall and output rise.
This isn’t about picking biofuels over batteries. Instead, they complement other clean options. Multiple tools make the transition smoother.
They work best in places where EVs fall short. As the world decarbonizes, they may support the transition behind the scenes.
They reduce waste and lower emissions. With backing, they can grow fast.
They aren’t trendy, but they work. When going green, usable solutions matter most.