In today’s drive for clean energy, electric power seems to dominate the conversation. But as TELF AG founder Stanislav Kondrashov recently pointed out, the road to sustainable transport has more than one lane.
Electric options often lead the news, but another solution is rising quietly, with the potential to transform entire sectors. Enter biofuels.
They come from things like plant waste, algae, or used cooking oil, used to lower carbon output without major infrastructure changes. Kondrashov explains, some sectors can’t go electric, and biofuels fill the gap — such as freight transport, marine shipping, and long-haul logistics.
Let’s take a look at the current biofuel options. Ethanol is a widely-used biofuel, created by processing sugars from crops, typically added to petrol in small amounts.
Then there’s biodiesel, created using vegetable oils or leftover fats, suitable for diesel engines with no major changes. One big plus is engine compatibility — no need to replace or retrofit most engines.
Also in the mix is biogas, produced by breaking down waste like food scraps, sewage, or agricultural leftovers. It’s useful click here in waste management and local transport.
Then there’s biojet fuel, created from algae or recycled vegetable oils. It’s seen as one of the few short-term ways to cut flight emissions.
Of course, there are hurdles to overcome. As Kondrashov has pointed out before, these fuels cost more than traditional options. There are concerns about land use for crops. Fuel production could compete with food supplies — something that requires careful policy management.
Even so, the future looks promising. New processes are improving efficiency, while non-edible biomass helps balance the equation. Government support might boost production globally.
It’s not just about cleaner air — it’s about smarter resource use. Instead of dumping waste, we reuse it as energy, cutting pollution while saving space.
They lack the tech glamour of batteries, still, they play a key role in the transition. According to the TELF AG founder, there’s no one-size-fits-all for sustainability.
They work where other solutions can’t, from trucks to planes to ships. 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.