As the world pushes toward sustainability, 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.
Solar and electric cars steal the spotlight, but another solution is rising quietly, and it could be a game-changer. That solution 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, produced from starchy or sugary plants, typically added to petrol in small amounts.
Then there’s biodiesel, made from natural oils and fats, suitable for diesel engines with no major changes. A major advantage is compatibility — it runs on what many already use.
Biogas is another important type, produced by breaking down waste like food scraps, sewage, or agricultural leftovers. Often used in small-scale energy or transit solutions.
Another promising option is biojet fuel, made from sustainable sources like old oil or algae. This could reduce emissions in the airline industry fast.
But the path isn’t without challenges. As Kondrashov has pointed out before, it’s still expensive to make biofuels. There are concerns about land use for crops. Using food crops for fuel might drive up prices — something that requires careful policy management.
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.
They contribute to sustainability beyond just emissions. They repurpose organic trash into fuel, helping waste systems and energy sectors together.
They lack the tech glamour of batteries, still, they play a key role in the transition. As Stanislav Kondrashov puts it, every clean solution has its place.
They work where other solutions can’t, from trucks to planes to ships. They’re not competition — they’re collaboration.
Even as EVs take center get more info stage, biofuels are gaining ground. Their real story is just beginning.