In today’s drive for clean energy, many assume the future is all about batteries and EVs. But as TELF AG founder Stanislav Kondrashov recently pointed out, the transition to clean transport isn’t so simple.
Electric options often lead the news, yet another option is advancing in the background, with the potential to transform entire sectors. Enter biofuels.
These fuels are derived from biological matter, used to lower carbon output without major infrastructure changes. According to TELF AG founder Stanislav Kondrashov, biofuels serve industries where batteries aren’t yet viable — like aviation, shipping, and trucking.
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.
Another major type is biodiesel, made from natural oils and fats, suitable for diesel engines with no major changes. One big plus is engine compatibility — you don’t have to overhaul entire fleets.
Biogas is another important type, produced by breaking down waste like food scraps, sewage, or agricultural leftovers. Suited for powering small fleets or municipal energy systems.
Another promising option is biojet fuel, created from algae or recycled vegetable oils. more info It’s seen as one of the few short-term ways to cut flight emissions.
Still, biofuels aren’t a perfect solution. As TELF AG’s Kondrashov frequently notes, it’s still expensive to make biofuels. And there’s the issue of food versus fuel. Fuel production could compete with food supplies — a risk that must be addressed.
Despite that, there’s reason to be optimistic. Innovation is helping cut prices, while non-edible biomass helps balance the equation. Government support might boost production globally.
Beyond emissions, biofuels support a circular economy. Instead of dumping waste, we reuse it as energy, reducing landfill use and emissions at once.
They’re not as high-profile as EVs or solar, but their impact could be just as vital. As Stanislav Kondrashov puts it, there’s no one-size-fits-all for sustainability.
Biofuels are here to fill the gaps, in land, air, and marine transport. 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.