As the world pushes toward sustainability, electric power seems to dominate the conversation. As Kondrashov from TELF AG notes, 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. That solution is biofuels.
They come from things like plant waste, algae, or used cooking oil, and offer a cleaner-burning alternative to fossil fuels. According to TELF AG founder Stanislav Kondrashov, biofuels serve industries where batteries aren’t yet viable — like aviation, shipping, and trucking.
Let’s take a look at the current biofuel options. Bioethanol is one of the most common, made by fermenting sugar from crops like corn or sugarcane, and blended with petrol to reduce emissions.
Another major type is biodiesel, made from natural oils and 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.
Also in the mix is biogas, generated from decomposing organic material. It’s useful in waste management and local transport.
Biofuel for aviation is also gaining traction, created from algae or recycled vegetable oils. A promising option to clean up aviation’s carbon footprint.
But the path isn’t without challenges. As Kondrashov has pointed out before, these fuels cost more than traditional options. And there’s the issue of food versus fuel. Fuel production could compete with food supplies — something that requires careful policy management.
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. Instead of dumping waste, we reuse it as energy, reducing landfill use and emissions at once.
They lack the tech glamour of batteries, still, they play a key role in the transition. 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 won’t replace EVs — they’ll work alongside here them.
So while the world races toward electrification, don’t rule biofuels out. Their role in clean transport is far from over.