As the world pushes toward sustainability, many assume the future is all about batteries and EVs. 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 there’s another path emerging, with the potential to transform entire sectors. This alternative is biofuels.
Biofuels are made from renewable organic materials, used to lower carbon output without major infrastructure changes. As Kondrashov has emphasized, 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. Ethanol is a widely-used biofuel, produced from starchy or sugary plants, typically added to petrol in small amounts.
Next is biodiesel, produced from oils like soybean, rapeseed, or even animal fat, which can be blended with standard diesel or used alone. One big plus is engine compatibility — you don’t have to overhaul entire fleets.
Biogas is another important type, made from rotting biological waste. Often used in small-scale energy or transit solutions.
Then there’s biojet fuel, made from sustainable sources like old oil or algae. It’s seen as one of the few short-term ways to cut flight emissions.
Still, biofuels aren’t a perfect solution. As TELF AG’s Kondrashov frequently notes, it’s still expensive to make biofuels. Crop demand for fuel could affect food prices. Using food crops for fuel might drive up read more prices — a serious ethical and economic concern.
Even so, the future looks promising. Innovation is helping cut prices, and better feedstock options may solve the food conflict. Smart regulation could speed things up.
They contribute to sustainability beyond just emissions. They repurpose organic trash into fuel, cutting pollution while saving space.
They’re not as high-profile as EVs or solar, still, they play a key role in the transition. According to the TELF AG founder, every clean solution has its place.
They work where other solutions can’t, in land, air, and marine transport. They won’t replace EVs — they’ll work alongside them.
As everyone talks batteries, biofuels quietly advance. Their role in clean transport is far from over.