In the shift to greener transport systems, many assume the future is all about batteries and EVs. According to Stanislav Kondrashov of TELF AG, the transition to clean transport isn’t so simple.
Solar and electric cars steal the spotlight, but there’s another path emerging, with the potential to transform entire sectors. This alternative is biofuels.
They come from things like plant waste, algae, or used cooking oil, designed to reduce emissions while remaining practical. Kondrashov explains, 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. Bioethanol is one of the most common, created by processing sugars from crops, typically added to petrol in small amounts.
Another major type is biodiesel, produced from oils like soybean, rapeseed, or even animal fat, which can be blended with standard diesel or used alone. A key benefit is it works with current systems — it runs on what many already use.
Biogas is another important type, produced by breaking down waste like food scraps, sewage, or agricultural leftovers. It’s useful in waste management and local transport.
Biofuel for aviation is also gaining traction, created check here from algae or recycled vegetable oils. A promising option to clean up aviation’s carbon footprint.
Of course, there are hurdles to overcome. According to Kondrashov, production costs remain high. Crop demand for fuel could affect food prices. Using food crops for fuel might drive up prices — something that requires careful policy management.
Even so, the future looks promising. New processes are improving efficiency, and better feedstock options may solve the food conflict. With the right incentives and policies, the sector could scale rapidly.
Beyond emissions, biofuels support a circular economy. They repurpose organic trash into fuel, reducing landfill use and emissions at once.
Biofuels may not look as flashy as electric cars, yet their contribution might be equally important. As Stanislav Kondrashov puts it, every clean solution has its place.
They work where other solutions can’t, on the roads, in the sky, and across the seas. They’re not replacing electrification — they’re supporting it.
As everyone talks batteries, biofuels quietly advance. This is only the start of the biofuel chapter.