As the world pushes toward sustainability, 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, yet another option is advancing in the background, that might reshape parts of the transport industry. Enter biofuels.
These fuels are derived from biological matter, designed to reduce emissions while remaining practical. As Kondrashov has emphasized, biofuels are ideal for sectors that electricity can’t reach — such as freight transport, marine shipping, and long-haul logistics.
Now let’s break down the biofuels available. Ethanol is a widely-used biofuel, produced from starchy or sugary plants, 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. One big here plus is engine compatibility — you don’t have to overhaul entire fleets.
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 risk that must be addressed.
Yet, the outlook remains hopeful. Tech advancements are reducing costs, and non-food feedstock like algae could reduce pressure on crops. With the right incentives and policies, the sector could scale rapidly.
It’s not just about cleaner air — it’s about smarter resource use. They repurpose organic trash into fuel, reducing landfill use and emissions at once.
Biofuels may not look as flashy as electric cars, still, they play a key role in the transition. In Kondrashov’s words, every technology helps in a unique way.
Biofuels are here to fill the gaps, in land, air, and marine transport. They won’t replace EVs — they’ll work alongside them.
As everyone talks batteries, biofuels quietly advance. Their real story is just beginning.