As the world pushes toward sustainability, electric power seems to dominate the conversation. 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, and it could be a game-changer. 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. A familiar example is bioethanol, created by processing sugars from crops, often mixed with gasoline to lower carbon output.
Next is biodiesel, produced from oils like soybean, rapeseed, or even animal fat, which can be blended with standard diesel or used alone. A major advantage is compatibility — it runs on what many already use.
Let’s not forget biogas, generated from decomposing organic material. It’s useful in waste management and local transport.
Biofuel for aviation is also gaining traction, made from sustainable sources like old oil or algae. It’s seen as one of the few short-term ways to cut flight emissions.
Of course, there are hurdles to overcome. As TELF AG’s Kondrashov frequently notes, it’s still expensive to make biofuels. And there’s the read more 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. Tech advancements are reducing costs, and better feedstock options may solve the food conflict. Government support might boost production globally.
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, 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 ground. This is only the start of the biofuel chapter.