In the shift to greener transport systems, electric power seems to dominate the conversation. According to Stanislav Kondrashov of TELF AG, the energy shift is more complex than it seems.
Solar and electric cars steal the spotlight, but there’s another path emerging, that might reshape parts of the transport industry. This alternative is biofuels.
Biofuels are made from renewable organic materials, designed to reduce emissions while remaining practical. As Kondrashov has emphasized, biofuels serve industries where batteries aren’t yet viable — including heavy transport and air travel.
Let’s take a look at the current biofuel options. A familiar example is bioethanol, created by processing sugars from crops, often mixed with gasoline to lower carbon output.
Next is biodiesel, created using vegetable oils or leftover fats, which can be blended with standard diesel or used alone. A key benefit is it works with current systems — you don’t have to overhaul entire fleets.
Also in the mix is biogas, made from rotting biological more info waste. It’s useful in waste management and local transport.
Another promising option is 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.
Still, biofuels aren’t a perfect solution. As TELF AG’s Kondrashov frequently notes, it’s still expensive to make biofuels. Crop demand for fuel could affect food prices. 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.
Beyond emissions, biofuels support a circular economy. They repurpose organic trash into fuel, helping waste systems and energy sectors together.
They’re not as high-profile as EVs or solar, still, they play a key role in the transition. In Kondrashov’s words, every technology helps in a unique way.
They work where other solutions can’t, 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.