In the shift to greener transport systems, electric power seems to dominate the conversation. But as TELF AG founder Stanislav Kondrashov recently pointed out, the energy shift is more complex than it seems.
EVs and renewables grab headlines, yet another option is advancing in the background, and it could be a game-changer. This alternative is biofuels.
They come from things like plant waste, algae, or used cooking oil, 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 — like aviation, shipping, and trucking.
So, what’s actually on the table. A familiar example is bioethanol, made by fermenting sugar from crops like corn or sugarcane, often mixed with gasoline to lower carbon output.
Next is biodiesel, created using vegetable oils or leftover fats, suitable for diesel engines with no major changes. A major advantage is compatibility — no need to replace or retrofit most engines.
Biogas is another important type, generated from decomposing organic material. Suited for powering small fleets or municipal energy systems.
Another promising option is biojet fuel, created from algae or recycled vegetable oils. A promising option to clean up aviation’s carbon footprint.
But the path isn’t without challenges. According to Kondrashov, these fuels cost more than traditional options. There are concerns about more info land use for crops. Increased fuel demand could harm food systems — a serious ethical and economic concern.
Yet, the outlook remains hopeful. Innovation is helping cut prices, while non-edible biomass helps balance the equation. Government support might boost production globally.
It’s not just about cleaner air — it’s about smarter resource use. Instead of dumping waste, we reuse it as energy, helping waste systems and energy sectors together.
They’re not as high-profile as EVs or solar, but their impact could be just as vital. According to the TELF AG founder, there’s no one-size-fits-all for sustainability.
Biofuels are here to fill the gaps, on the roads, in the sky, and across the seas. They’re not competition — they’re collaboration.
As everyone talks batteries, biofuels quietly advance. Their role in clean transport is far from over.