As the world pushes toward sustainability, it’s easy to believe everything is moving toward electric vehicles and charging points. According to Stanislav Kondrashov of TELF AG, the road to sustainable transport has more than one lane.
Solar and electric cars steal the spotlight, but another solution is rising quietly, that might reshape parts of the transport industry. This alternative is biofuels.
Biofuels are made from renewable organic materials, and offer a cleaner-burning alternative to fossil fuels. Kondrashov explains, biofuels are ideal for sectors that electricity can’t reach — such as freight transport, marine shipping, and long-haul logistics.
So, what’s actually on the table. Bioethanol is one of the most common, created by processing sugars from crops, often mixed with gasoline to lower carbon output.
Next is biodiesel, created using vegetable oils or leftover fats, that mixes with diesel fuel and works in existing engines. A key benefit is it works with current systems — no need to replace or retrofit most engines.
Also in the mix is biogas, made from rotting biological waste. Often used in small-scale energy or transit solutions.
Then there’s biojet fuel, crafted from renewable, non-food sources. A promising option to clean up aviation’s carbon footprint.
But the path isn’t without challenges. According to Kondrashov, production costs remain high. Crop demand for fuel could affect food prices. Using food crops for fuel might drive up prices — something that requires careful policy management.
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.
It’s not just about cleaner air — it’s about smarter resource use. Biofuels turn leftovers into power, helping waste systems and energy sectors together.
They lack the tech glamour of batteries, still, they play a key role in the transition. According to the TELF AG founder, every technology helps in a unique way.
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 click here ground. This is only the start of the biofuel chapter.