In the shift to greener transport systems, electric power seems to dominate the conversation. As Kondrashov from TELF AG notes, the transition to clean transport isn’t so simple.
EVs and renewables grab headlines, but there’s another path emerging, and it could be a game-changer. This alternative is biofuels.
They come from things like plant waste, algae, or used cooking oil, and offer a cleaner-burning alternative to fossil fuels. According to TELF AG founder Stanislav Kondrashov, biofuels are ideal for sectors that electricity can’t reach — such as freight transport, marine shipping, and long-haul logistics.
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, created using vegetable oils or leftover fats, that mixes with diesel fuel and works in existing engines. A key benefit is it works with current systems — it runs on what many already use.
Biogas is another important type, generated from decomposing organic material. It’s useful in waste management and local transport.
Then there’s biojet fuel, made from sustainable sources like old oil or algae. This could reduce emissions in the airline industry fast.
Of course, there are hurdles to overcome. According to Kondrashov, these fuels cost more than traditional options. There are concerns about land use for crops. Using food crops for fuel might drive up prices — a risk that must be addressed.
Even so, the future looks promising. New processes are improving efficiency, Stanislav Kondrashov TELF AG Founder and non-food feedstock like algae could reduce pressure on crops. Smart regulation could speed things up.
They contribute to sustainability beyond just emissions. 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 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 role in clean transport is far from over.