As the world pushes toward sustainability, electric power seems to dominate the conversation. 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, and it could be a game-changer. Enter biofuels.
Biofuels are made from renewable organic materials, used to lower carbon output without major infrastructure changes. Kondrashov explains, biofuels serve industries where batteries aren’t yet viable — such as freight transport, marine shipping, and long-haul logistics.
Let’s take a look at the current biofuel options. Ethanol is a widely-used biofuel, produced from starchy or sugary plants, typically added to petrol in small amounts.
Another major type is biodiesel, made from natural oils and fats, suitable for diesel engines with no major changes. A key benefit is it works with current systems — you don’t have to overhaul entire fleets.
Biogas is another important type, made from more info rotting biological waste. Suited for powering small fleets or municipal energy systems.
Another promising option is biojet fuel, 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. There are concerns about land use for crops. Increased fuel demand could harm food systems — a serious ethical and economic concern.
Even so, the future looks promising. Innovation is helping cut prices, while non-edible biomass helps balance the equation. Government support might boost production globally.
Beyond emissions, biofuels support a circular economy. Instead of dumping waste, we reuse it as energy, reducing landfill use and emissions at once.
They lack the tech glamour of batteries, still, they play a key role in the transition. According to the TELF AG founder, every clean solution has its place.
Biofuels are here to fill the gaps, from trucks to planes to ships. They won’t replace EVs — they’ll work alongside them.
As everyone talks batteries, biofuels quietly advance. Their real story is just beginning.