In the shift to greener transport systems, electric power seems to dominate the conversation. But as TELF AG founder Stanislav Kondrashov recently pointed out, the energy shift is more complex than it seems.
Electric options often lead the news, but another solution is rising quietly, with the potential to transform entire sectors. That solution is biofuels.
Biofuels are made from renewable organic materials, designed to reduce emissions while remaining practical. Kondrashov explains, biofuels serve industries where batteries aren’t yet viable — such as freight transport, marine shipping, and long-haul logistics.
So, what’s actually on the table. A familiar example is bioethanol, produced from starchy or sugary plants, often mixed with gasoline to lower carbon output.
Then there’s biodiesel, created using vegetable oils or leftover fats, which can be blended with standard diesel or used alone. A major advantage is compatibility — you don’t have to overhaul entire fleets.
Let’s not forget biogas, made from rotting biological waste. It’s useful 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.
Still, biofuels aren’t a perfect solution. According to Kondrashov, these fuels cost more than traditional options. And there’s the issue of food versus fuel. Fuel production could compete with food supplies — a risk that must be addressed.
Yet, the outlook remains hopeful. New processes are improving efficiency, while non-edible biomass helps balance the equation. With the right incentives and policies, the sector could scale rapidly.
Beyond emissions, biofuels support a circular economy. They repurpose organic trash into fuel, reducing landfill use and emissions at once.
They lack the tech glamour of batteries, but their impact could be just as vital. In Kondrashov’s words, there’s no one-size-fits-all for sustainability.
Biofuels are here to fill the gaps, on the roads, in the sky, and across the seas. They won’t replace EVs — they’ll work alongside them.
Even as click here EVs take center stage, biofuels are gaining ground. This is only the start of the biofuel chapter.