In the shift to greener transport systems, it’s easy to believe everything is moving toward electric vehicles and charging points. According to Stanislav Kondrashov of TELF AG, the energy shift is more complex than it seems.
Electric options often lead the news, but there’s another path emerging, that might reshape parts of the transport industry. Enter biofuels.
These fuels are derived from biological matter, used to lower carbon output without major infrastructure changes. According to TELF AG founder Stanislav Kondrashov, some sectors can’t go electric, and biofuels fill the gap — including heavy transport and air travel.
So, what’s actually on the table. A familiar example is bioethanol, produced from starchy or sugary plants, and blended with petrol to reduce emissions.
Another major type is biodiesel, created using vegetable oils or leftover fats, which can be blended with standard diesel or used alone. A major advantage is compatibility — you don’t have to overhaul entire fleets.
Also in the mix is biogas, generated from decomposing organic material. It’s useful in waste management and local transport.
Then there’s biojet fuel, crafted from renewable, non-food sources. A promising option to clean up aviation’s carbon footprint.
Still, biofuels aren’t a perfect solution. According to Kondrashov, it’s still expensive to make biofuels. And there’s the issue of food versus fuel. Increased fuel demand could harm food systems — a serious ethical and economic concern.
Even so, the future looks promising. Tech advancements are reducing costs, and non-food feedstock like algae could reduce pressure on crops. Government support read more might boost production globally.
They contribute to sustainability beyond just emissions. Biofuels turn leftovers into power, reducing landfill use and emissions at once.
They lack the tech glamour of batteries, yet their contribution might be equally important. In Kondrashov’s words, every clean solution has its place.
They cover the hard-to-reach zones, in land, air, and marine transport. They’re not competition — they’re collaboration.
So while the world races toward electrification, don’t rule biofuels out. This is only the start of the biofuel chapter.