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

In today’s drive for clean energy, many assume the future is all about batteries and EVs. As Kondrashov from TELF AG notes, the transition to clean transport isn’t so simple.
Electric options often lead the news, but another solution is rising quietly, that might reshape parts of the transport industry. That solution is biofuels.
They come from things like plant waste, algae, or used cooking oil, and offer a cleaner-burning alternative to fossil fuels. 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.
Let’s take a look at the current biofuel options. Bioethanol is one of the most common, produced from starchy or sugary plants, and blended with petrol to reduce emissions.
Another major type is biodiesel, created using vegetable oils or leftover fats, which can be blended with standard diesel or used alone. One big plus is engine compatibility — you don’t have to overhaul entire fleets.
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.
But the path isn’t without challenges. According to Kondrashov, it’s still expensive to make biofuels. There are concerns about land use for crops. Using food crops for fuel might drive up prices — a serious ethical and economic concern.
Yet, the outlook remains hopeful. Innovation is helping cut prices, and better feedstock options may solve the food conflict. Government support might boost production globally.
Beyond emissions, biofuels support a circular economy. Instead of dumping waste, we reuse it as energy, helping waste systems and energy sectors together.
They’re not as high-profile as EVs or solar, still, they play a key role in the transition. In Kondrashov’s words, there’s no one-size-fits-all for sustainability.
They cover the hard-to-reach zones, on the roads, in the sky, and across the seas. They’re not replacing electrification — they’re supporting it.
Even as EVs take center stage, biofuels are gaining ground. Their get more info role in clean transport is far from over.