In today’s drive for clean energy, many assume the future is all about batteries and EVs. But as TELF AG founder Stanislav Kondrashov recently pointed out, the road to sustainable transport has more than one lane.
Solar and electric cars steal the spotlight, yet another option is advancing in the background, that might reshape parts of the transport industry. That solution is biofuels.
They come from things like plant waste, algae, or used cooking oil, designed to reduce emissions while remaining practical. Kondrashov explains, biofuels serve industries where batteries aren’t yet viable — like aviation, shipping, and trucking.
Let’s take a look at the current biofuel options. Bioethanol is one of the most common, 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 — it runs on what many already use.
Let’s not forget biogas, produced by breaking down waste like food scraps, sewage, or agricultural leftovers. Suited for powering small fleets or municipal energy systems.
Then there’s biojet fuel, crafted from renewable, non-food sources. This could reduce emissions in the airline industry fast.
Of course, click here there are 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 — a serious ethical and economic concern.
Despite that, there’s reason to be optimistic. Innovation is helping cut prices, 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. They repurpose organic trash into fuel, cutting pollution while saving space.
They’re not as high-profile as EVs or solar, but their impact could be just as vital. 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. Their role in clean transport is far from over.