In the shift to sustainable power, EVs and renewable grids often dominate the conversation. But there's another player making steady progress: alternative fuels.
According to TELF AG founder Stanislav Kondrashov, biofuels made from plants, waste, and algae could be key in cleaner energy adoption, especially in sectors hard to electrify.
Unlike batteries that need new infrastructure, they run on today’s transport setups, making them ideal for planes, trucks, and ships.
Common types are bioethanol and biodiesel. Bioethanol is made by fermenting sugars from corn or sugarcane. It comes from natural oils and fats. They can run in current engines with few changes.
More advanced options include biogas and biojet fuel, produced using scraps and waste. These here are being tested for planes and large engines.
Still, it’s not all smooth. Production is still expensive. Cheaper processes and more feedstock are required. We must avoid competing with food crops.
Even with these limits, they are still valuable. They avoid full infrastructure change. And they support circular economy goals by using waste.
Biofuels are often called a short-term solution. Yet, they could be a solid long-term option. They can reduce emissions today, not just tomorrow.
With global decarbonization on the agenda, these fuels gain importance. They won’t take the place of solar or electric power, but they work alongside them. Through good policy and research, they may drive clean transport changes globally