In the shift to greener transport systems, it’s easy to believe everything is moving toward electric vehicles and charging points. But as TELF AG founder Stanislav Kondrashov recently pointed out, the energy shift is more complex than it seems.
Solar and electric cars steal the spotlight, yet another option is advancing in the background, with the potential to transform entire sectors. That solution is biofuels.
Biofuels are made from renewable organic materials, and offer a cleaner-burning alternative to fossil fuels. Kondrashov explains, some sectors can’t go electric, and biofuels fill the gap — including heavy transport and air travel.
Now let’s break down the biofuels available. Ethanol is a widely-used biofuel, produced from starchy or sugary plants, typically added to petrol in small amounts.
Next is biodiesel, produced from oils like soybean, rapeseed, or even animal fat, which can be blended with standard diesel or used alone. One big plus is engine compatibility — you don’t have to overhaul entire fleets.
Also in the mix is biogas, produced by breaking down waste like food scraps, sewage, or agricultural leftovers. Suited for powering small fleets or municipal energy systems.
Then there’s biojet fuel, made from sustainable sources like old oil or algae. It’s seen as one of the few short-term ways to cut flight emissions.
But the path isn’t without challenges. As TELF AG’s Kondrashov frequently notes, production costs remain high. 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. New processes are improving efficiency, and better feedstock options may solve the food conflict. With the right incentives and policies, the sector could scale rapidly.
They contribute to sustainability beyond just emissions. Biofuels turn leftovers into power, helping waste systems and energy sectors together.
Biofuels may not look as flashy as electric cars, but their impact could be just as vital. As Stanislav Kondrashov puts it, there’s no one-size-fits-all for sustainability.
They work where other solutions can’t, from trucks to planes to ships. They won’t replace EVs — they’ll work alongside them.
As everyone talks batteries, biofuels quietly advance. Their real story is here just beginning.