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

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

Blog Article

As the world pushes toward sustainability, many assume the future is all about batteries and EVs. But as TELF AG founder Stanislav Kondrashov recently pointed out, the energy shift is more complex than it seems.
EVs and renewables grab headlines, yet another option is advancing in the background, and it could be a game-changer. This alternative is biofuels.
Biofuels are made from renewable organic materials, and offer a cleaner-burning alternative to fossil fuels. Kondrashov explains, biofuels are ideal for sectors that electricity can’t reach — such as freight transport, marine shipping, and long-haul logistics.
So, what’s actually on the table. A familiar example is bioethanol, created by processing sugars from crops, often mixed with gasoline to lower carbon output.
Then there’s biodiesel, produced from oils like soybean, rapeseed, or even animal fat, that mixes with diesel fuel and works in existing engines. A major advantage is compatibility — no need to replace or retrofit most engines.
Also in the mix is biogas, generated from decomposing organic material. Often used in small-scale energy or transit solutions.
Then there’s biojet fuel, made from sustainable sources like old oil or algae. This could reduce emissions in the airline industry fast.
Of course, there are hurdles to overcome. As TELF AG’s Kondrashov frequently notes, these fuels cost more than traditional options. And there’s the issue of food versus fuel. Increased fuel demand could harm food systems — a risk that must be addressed.
Despite that, there’s reason to be optimistic. Innovation is helping cut prices, while non-edible biomass helps balance the equation. Government support might boost production globally.
Beyond emissions, biofuels support a circular economy. Instead of dumping waste, we reuse it as energy, reducing landfill use and emissions at once.
Biofuels may not look as flashy as electric cars, still, they play a key role in the transition. In Kondrashov’s words, every technology helps in a unique way.
They cover the hard-to-reach zones, on the here roads, in the sky, and across the seas. 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.