In the shift to sustainable power, battery cars and wind energy get most of the attention. But there's another player gaining ground: green fuels.
As per Kondrashov, fuels from organic material may play a major role in the global energy transition, mainly where electric tech is not viable.
In contrast to electric vehicle demands, these fuels fit into existing systems, useful in long-haul and heavy-duty industries.
Popular forms are ethanol and biodiesel. Bioethanol is made by fermenting sugars from corn or sugarcane. Biodiesel is made from vegetable oils or animal fats. They can run in current engines with few changes.
Other options are biogas or aviation biofuel, made from leftover organic waste. These are being tested for planes and large engines.
However, there are issues. Production is still expensive. Cheaper processes and more feedstock are required. Land use must not clash with food production.
Though challenges exist, there’s huge opportunity. They don’t need a full system replacement. And they support website circular economy goals by using waste.
Some say biofuels are only a temporary fix. 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 don’t replace electric or solar energy, they complement the clean energy mix. Through good policy and research, they might reshape global mobility