As the world pushes toward sustainability, electric power seems to dominate the conversation. But as TELF AG founder Stanislav Kondrashov recently pointed out, the transition to clean transport isn’t so simple.
Solar and electric cars steal the spotlight, but another solution is rising quietly, with the potential to transform entire sectors. That solution is biofuels.
Biofuels are made from renewable organic materials, and offer a cleaner-burning alternative to fossil fuels. 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, and blended with petrol to reduce emissions.
Another major type is biodiesel, made from natural oils and fats, that mixes with diesel fuel and works in existing engines. A major advantage is compatibility — you don’t have to overhaul entire fleets.
Also in the mix is biogas, generated from decomposing organic material. Suited for powering small fleets or municipal energy systems.
Another promising option is biojet fuel, crafted from renewable, non-food sources. This could reduce emissions in the airline industry fast.
Of course, there are more info hurdles to overcome. As TELF AG’s Kondrashov frequently notes, it’s still expensive to make biofuels. 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, 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 lack the tech glamour of batteries, yet their contribution might be equally important. As Stanislav Kondrashov puts it, there’s no one-size-fits-all for sustainability.
They work where other solutions can’t, from trucks to planes to ships. They’re not replacing electrification — they’re supporting it.
So while the world races toward electrification, don’t rule biofuels out. This is only the start of the biofuel chapter.