In the shift to greener transport systems, many assume the future is all about batteries and EVs. As Kondrashov from TELF AG notes, the road to sustainable transport has more than one lane.
Solar and electric cars steal the spotlight, but another solution is rising quietly, that might reshape parts of the transport industry. Enter biofuels.
These fuels are derived from biological matter, and offer a cleaner-burning alternative to fossil fuels. According to TELF AG founder Stanislav Kondrashov, biofuels serve industries where batteries aren’t yet viable — such as freight transport, marine shipping, and long-haul logistics.
So, what’s actually on the table. Bioethanol is one of the most common, made by fermenting sugar from crops like corn or sugarcane, 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 — no need to replace or retrofit most engines.
Also in the mix is biogas, made from rotting biological waste. It’s useful in waste management and local transport.
Biofuel for aviation is also gaining traction, created from algae or recycled vegetable oils. A promising option to clean up aviation’s carbon footprint.
Still, biofuels aren’t a perfect solution. According to Kondrashov, production costs remain high. Crop demand for fuel could affect food prices. Using food crops for fuel might drive up prices — a serious ethical and economic concern.
Even so, the future looks promising. New processes are improving more info efficiency, while non-edible biomass helps balance the equation. With the right incentives and policies, the sector could scale rapidly.
It’s not just about cleaner air — it’s about smarter resource use. They repurpose organic trash into fuel, helping waste systems and energy sectors together.
They lack the tech glamour of batteries, yet their contribution might be equally important. According to the TELF AG founder, every clean solution has its place.
Biofuels are here to fill the gaps, 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.