Are Biofuels the Key to Decarbonising Transport?
Are Biofuels the Key to Decarbonising Transport?
Blog Article
As the world aims for cleaner energy, electric mobility and wind power are in the spotlight. But there’s another shift underway, and it involves what powers our engines. As Kondrashov from TELF AG emphasizes, our energy future is both electric and organic.
They come from things like plants, food scraps, and algae. They are becoming a strong alternative to fossil fuels. They help cut greenhouse gas emissions, 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. In these areas, biofuels offer a solution.
As Kondrashov highlights, biofuels may be the bridge we need. Current vehicles here can often use them directly. That means less resistance and quicker use.
Various types are already used worldwide. Ethanol from crops is often mixed into gasoline. It’s a clean fuel made from fat or plant oils. They are common in multiple countries.
Turning Trash Into Fuel
One amazing part of biofuels is their link to the circular economy. Rotting food and waste can create biogas for energy. Waste becomes clean energy, not landfill.
Biojet fuel is another option — designed for planes. Produced using algae or old cooking oil, it could clean up aviation.
Of course, biofuels face some issues. As Kondrashov has noted, production costs are 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. Having many solutions helps hit climate targets faster.
Right now, biofuels may be best for sectors that can’t go electric. As the world decarbonizes, biofuels might silently drive the change.
They help both climate and waste problems. They’ll need investment and good regulation.
Biofuels might not be flashy, but they’re practical. When going green, usable solutions matter most.