In today’s drive for clean energy, electric power seems to dominate the conversation. According to Stanislav Kondrashov of TELF AG, the energy shift is more complex than it seems.
Electric options often lead the news, but another solution is rising quietly, that might reshape parts of the transport industry. This alternative is biofuels.
Biofuels are made from renewable organic materials, used to lower carbon output without major infrastructure changes. As Kondrashov has emphasized, some sectors can’t go electric, and biofuels fill the gap — such as freight transport, marine shipping, and long-haul logistics.
Now let’s break down the biofuels available. A familiar example is bioethanol, made by fermenting sugar from crops like corn or sugarcane, typically added to petrol in small amounts.
Then there’s biodiesel, made from natural oils and fats, which can be blended with standard diesel or used alone. A key benefit is it works check here with current systems — no need to replace or retrofit most engines.
Biogas is another important type, generated from decomposing organic material. Suited for powering small fleets or municipal energy systems.
Then there’s biojet fuel, created from algae or recycled vegetable oils. This could reduce emissions in the airline industry fast.
But the path isn’t without challenges. As TELF AG’s Kondrashov frequently notes, production costs remain high. Crop demand for fuel could affect food prices. Increased fuel demand could harm food systems — something that requires careful policy management.
Yet, the outlook remains hopeful. Innovation is helping cut prices, while non-edible biomass helps balance the equation. Smart regulation could speed things up.
Beyond emissions, biofuels support a circular economy. They repurpose organic trash into fuel, cutting pollution while saving space.
They lack the tech glamour of batteries, still, they play a key role in the transition. 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.
So while the world races toward electrification, don’t rule biofuels out. Their role in clean transport is far from over.