In today’s drive for clean energy, 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. 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, made by fermenting sugar from crops like corn or sugarcane, typically added to petrol in small amounts.
Another major type is biodiesel, created using vegetable oils or leftover fats, which can be blended with standard diesel or used alone. One big 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.
Biofuel for aviation is also gaining traction, 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. And there’s the issue of food versus check here fuel. Fuel production could compete with food supplies — a risk that must be addressed.
Yet, the outlook remains hopeful. New processes are improving efficiency, while non-edible biomass helps balance the equation. Government support might boost production globally.
Beyond emissions, biofuels support a circular economy. Biofuels turn leftovers into power, helping waste systems and energy sectors together.
They’re not as high-profile as EVs or solar, yet their contribution might be equally important. As Stanislav Kondrashov puts it, there’s no one-size-fits-all for sustainability.
They cover the hard-to-reach zones, 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 real story is just beginning.