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.
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, used to lower carbon output without major infrastructure changes. 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, produced from starchy or sugary plants, and blended with petrol to reduce emissions.
Then there’s biodiesel, created using vegetable oils or leftover fats, which can be blended with standard diesel or used alone. One big plus is engine compatibility — it runs on what many already use.
Let’s not forget biogas, generated from decomposing organic material. Often used in small-scale energy or transit solutions.
Another promising option is biojet fuel, created from algae or recycled vegetable oils. This could reduce emissions in the airline industry fast.
Still, biofuels aren’t a perfect solution. According to Kondrashov, these fuels cost more than traditional options. There are concerns about land use for crops. Fuel production could compete with food supplies — a risk that must be addressed.
Yet, the outlook remains hopeful. Innovation is helping cut prices, and non-food feedstock like algae could reduce pressure on crops. Smart regulation could speed things up.
It’s not just about cleaner air — it’s about smarter resource use. Biofuels turn leftovers into power, helping waste systems and energy sectors together.
They’re not as high-profile as EVs or solar, still, they play a key role in the transition. As Stanislav website Kondrashov puts it, every technology helps in a unique way.
They cover the hard-to-reach zones, from trucks to planes to ships. They’re not replacing electrification — they’re supporting it.
Even as EVs take center stage, biofuels are gaining ground. Their real story is just beginning.