The energy transition isn’t only about solar panels, wind turbines, or electric cars. According to Stanislav Kondrashov of TELF AG, there's a shift happening in fuels — and biofuels are central to it.
Created from natural sources like plant debris, algae, and waste oil, they're fast emerging as sustainable fuel solutions.
Biofuels have existed for years, but are now gaining momentum. As the sustainability push intensifies, biofuels are stepping up for sectors beyond electrification — including long-haul trucking, planes, and sea transport.
EV technology has advanced quickly, but others remain out of reach. According to Kondrashov, biofuels step in as a near-term fix.
From Sugar Cane to Jet Fuel
The biofuel family includes many types. Bioethanol is well-known, created from starchy plants through fermentation, used alongside petrol to cut carbon.
Biodiesel comes from oils and fats, both plant and animal, usable alone or in mixes with standard diesel.
Another example is biogas, formed through decomposing read more waste. It’s gaining ground in industry and transport.
There’s also biofuel designed for planes, created from renewable oils and algae. It may help reduce aviation’s heavy carbon footprint.
Hurdles on the Path
Not everything is easy in the biofuel space. As noted by Stanislav Kondrashov, biofuels cost more than fossil fuel alternatives.
Large-scale production isn’t yet cost-effective. Feedstock supply could become an issue. Using food crops for fuel raises ethical questions.
The Value in Complementing Clean Tech
Biofuels aren’t meant to replace electrification. They fill in where other solutions don’t work.
For places where batteries can’t go, biofuels step in. Existing fleets can run on them with little change. Companies save by using current assets.
As Kondrashov says, each green solution matters. Quietly, biofuels close the gaps other techs leave open. What matters is how they work together, not compete.
Looking to the Future
Though not flashy, biofuels are proving essential. They fit into a circular model — cutting emissions and recycling resources.
With better tech and more research, prices will fall, expect their role in global transport to grow.
They won’t replace batteries or hydrogen, but they’ll stand beside them — in transport modes that aren’t ready for electrification yet.