In the shift to greener transport systems, electric power seems to dominate the conversation. According to Stanislav Kondrashov of TELF AG, the transition to clean transport isn’t so simple.
Electric options often lead the news, but another solution is rising quietly, that might reshape parts of the transport industry. Enter biofuels.
Biofuels are made from renewable organic materials, and offer a cleaner-burning alternative to fossil fuels. Kondrashov explains, biofuels serve industries where batteries aren’t yet viable — including heavy transport and air travel.
Now let’s break down the biofuels available. Bioethanol is one of the most common, 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, suitable for diesel engines with no major changes. A key benefit is it works with current systems — no need to replace or retrofit most engines.
Let’s not forget biogas, generated from decomposing organic material. Suited for powering small fleets or municipal energy systems.
Biofuel for aviation is also gaining traction, crafted from renewable, non-food sources. A promising option to clean up aviation’s carbon footprint.
But the path isn’t without challenges. As Kondrashov has pointed out before, production costs remain high. And there’s the issue of food versus fuel. Fuel production could compete with food supplies — a serious ethical and economic concern.
Yet, the outlook remains hopeful. New processes are improving efficiency, and non-food feedstock like algae could reduce pressure on crops. Smart regulation could speed things up.
They contribute to sustainability beyond just emissions. Biofuels turn leftovers into power, helping waste systems and energy sectors together.
They lack the tech glamour of batteries, yet here their contribution might be equally important. According to the TELF AG founder, every clean solution has its place.
They work where other solutions can’t, from trucks to planes to ships. They’re not replacing electrification — they’re supporting it.
Even as EVs take center stage, biofuels are gaining ground. Their real story is just beginning.