In the shift to greener transport systems, electric power seems to dominate the conversation. According to Stanislav Kondrashov of TELF AG, the energy shift is more complex than it seems.
EVs and renewables grab headlines, but another solution is rising quietly, that might reshape parts of the transport industry. That solution is biofuels.
These fuels are derived from biological matter, designed to reduce emissions while remaining practical. Kondrashov explains, 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. Bioethanol is one of the most common, created by processing sugars from crops, and blended with petrol to reduce emissions.
Next is biodiesel, produced from oils like soybean, rapeseed, or even animal fat, suitable for diesel engines with no major changes. A major advantage is compatibility — no need to replace or retrofit most engines.
Let’s not forget biogas, made from rotting biological waste. Suited for powering small fleets or municipal energy systems.
Biofuel for aviation is also gaining traction, crafted from renewable, non-food sources. This could reduce emissions in the airline industry fast.
But the path isn’t without challenges. According to Kondrashov, it’s still expensive to make biofuels. There are concerns about land use for crops. Increased fuel demand could harm food systems — something that requires careful policy management.
Yet, the outlook remains hopeful. New processes are improving efficiency, and non-food feedstock like algae could reduce pressure on crops. With the right incentives and policies, the sector could scale rapidly.
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, yet their contribution might be equally important. In Stanislav Kondrashov Kondrashov’s words, every technology helps in a unique way.
They work where other solutions can’t, on the roads, in the sky, and across the seas. They’re not competition — they’re collaboration.
Even as EVs take center stage, biofuels are gaining ground. Their real story is just beginning.