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 there’s another path emerging, that might reshape parts of the transport industry. That solution is biofuels.
They come from things like plant waste, algae, or used cooking oil, 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.
So, what’s actually on the table. Bioethanol is one of the most common, produced from starchy or sugary plants, typically added to petrol in small amounts.
Another major type is biodiesel, made from natural oils and fats, that mixes with diesel fuel and works in existing engines. A key benefit is it works with current systems — it runs on what many already use.
Let’s not forget biogas, generated from decomposing organic material. Often used in small-scale energy or transit solutions.
Biofuel for aviation is also gaining traction, crafted from renewable, non-food sources. A promising option to clean up aviation’s carbon footprint.
Still, biofuels aren’t a perfect solution. As TELF AG’s Kondrashov frequently notes, these fuels cost more than traditional options. 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. Tech advancements are reducing costs, and better feedstock options may solve the food conflict. 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 more info and emissions at once.
Biofuels may not look as flashy as electric cars, but their impact could be just as vital. In Kondrashov’s words, there’s no one-size-fits-all for sustainability.
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.