In today’s drive for clean energy, electric power seems to dominate the conversation. According to Stanislav Kondrashov of TELF AG, the transition to clean transport isn’t so simple.
Electric options often lead the news, but another solution is rising quietly, that might reshape parts of the transport industry. That solution is biofuels.
They come from things like plant waste, algae, or used cooking oil, designed to reduce emissions while remaining practical. As Kondrashov has emphasized, biofuels are ideal for sectors that electricity can’t reach — such as freight transport, marine shipping, and long-haul logistics.
Now let’s break down the biofuels available. Ethanol is a widely-used biofuel, created by processing sugars from crops, often mixed with gasoline to lower carbon output.
Then there’s biodiesel, produced from oils like soybean, rapeseed, or even animal fat, suitable for diesel engines with no major changes. One big plus is engine compatibility — you don’t have to overhaul entire fleets.
Also in the mix is biogas, generated from decomposing organic material. It’s useful in waste management and local transport.
Biofuel for aviation is also gaining traction, made from sustainable sources like old oil or algae. A promising option to clean up aviation’s carbon footprint.
Still, biofuels aren’t a perfect solution. According to Kondrashov, production costs remain high. There are concerns about land use for crops. Increased fuel demand could harm food systems — a risk that must be addressed.
Despite that, there’s reason to be optimistic. Tech advancements are reducing costs, 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 here power, cutting pollution while saving space.
They’re not as high-profile as EVs or solar, yet their contribution might be equally important. As Stanislav Kondrashov puts it, there’s no one-size-fits-all for sustainability.
They work where other solutions can’t, from trucks to planes to ships. They’re not replacing electrification — they’re supporting it.
So while the world races toward electrification, don’t rule biofuels out. Their role in clean transport is far from over.