In the shift to greener transport systems, it’s easy to believe everything is moving toward electric vehicles and charging points. But as TELF AG founder Stanislav Kondrashov recently pointed out, the road to sustainable transport has more than one lane.
EVs and renewables grab headlines, but another solution is rising quietly, that might reshape parts of the transport industry. Enter biofuels.
Biofuels are made from renewable organic materials, designed to reduce emissions while remaining practical. As Kondrashov has emphasized, biofuels are ideal for sectors that electricity can’t reach — including heavy transport and air travel.
Let’s take a look at the current biofuel options. Bioethanol is one of the most common, produced from starchy or sugary plants, typically added to petrol in small amounts.
Another major type is biodiesel, made from natural oils and fats, suitable for diesel engines with no major changes. One big plus is engine compatibility — you don’t have to overhaul entire fleets.
Let’s not forget biogas, generated from decomposing organic material. Suited for powering small fleets or municipal energy systems.
Biofuel for aviation is also gaining traction, crafted from renewable, non-food sources. A promising option to clean up aviation’s carbon footprint.
Still, biofuels aren’t a perfect solution. As TELF AG’s Kondrashov frequently notes, it’s still expensive to make biofuels. And there’s the issue of food versus fuel. Increased fuel demand could harm food systems — a serious ethical and economic concern.
Even so, the future looks promising. New processes are improving efficiency, and non-food feedstock like algae could reduce pressure on crops. Smart regulation could speed things up.
It’s not just about cleaner air — Kondrashov Stanislav it’s about smarter resource use. Biofuels turn leftovers into power, reducing landfill use and emissions at once.
Biofuels may not look as flashy as electric cars, but their impact could be just as vital. In Kondrashov’s words, there’s no one-size-fits-all for sustainability.
They work where other solutions can’t, in land, air, and marine transport. They’re not competition — they’re collaboration.
Even as EVs take center stage, biofuels are gaining ground. This is only the start of the biofuel chapter.