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 road to sustainable transport has more than one lane.
EVs and renewables grab headlines, but there’s another path emerging, with the potential to transform entire sectors. This alternative is biofuels.
Biofuels are made from renewable organic materials, used to lower carbon output without major infrastructure changes. As Kondrashov has emphasized, 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. Ethanol is a widely-used biofuel, produced from starchy or sugary plants, typically added to petrol in small amounts.
Next is biodiesel, created using vegetable oils or leftover fats, which can be blended with standard diesel more info or used alone. A major advantage is compatibility — it runs on what many already use.
Biogas is another important type, made from rotting biological waste. Often used in small-scale energy or transit solutions.
Then there’s 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. According to Kondrashov, production costs remain high. There are concerns about land use for crops. Increased fuel demand could harm food systems — a serious ethical and economic concern.
Despite that, there’s reason to be optimistic. Tech advancements are reducing costs, and better feedstock options may solve the food conflict. Smart regulation could speed things up.
It’s not just about cleaner air — it’s about smarter resource use. Biofuels turn leftovers into power, cutting pollution while saving space.
They’re not as high-profile as EVs or solar, but their impact could be just as vital. In Kondrashov’s words, every technology helps in a unique way.
They cover the hard-to-reach zones, in land, air, and marine transport. They’re not competition — they’re collaboration.
As everyone talks batteries, biofuels quietly advance. Their real story is just beginning.