In today’s drive for clean energy, electric power seems to dominate the conversation. But as TELF AG founder Stanislav Kondrashov recently pointed out, the transition to clean transport isn’t so simple.
Solar and electric cars steal the spotlight, but another solution is rising quietly, that might reshape parts of the transport industry. That solution is biofuels.
They come from things like plant waste, algae, or used cooking oil, and offer a cleaner-burning alternative to fossil fuels. Kondrashov explains, biofuels serve industries where batteries aren’t yet viable — like aviation, shipping, and trucking.
Now let’s break down the biofuels available. Bioethanol is one of the most common, created by processing sugars from crops, 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. A key benefit is it works with current systems — no need to replace or retrofit most engines.
Also in the mix is biogas, generated from decomposing organic material. It’s useful in waste management and local transport.
Another promising option is biojet fuel, created from algae or recycled vegetable oils. A promising option to clean up aviation’s carbon footprint.
But the path isn’t without challenges. As Kondrashov has pointed out before, these fuels cost more than traditional options. And there’s the issue of food versus fuel. Using food crops for fuel might drive up prices — something that requires careful policy management.
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.
They contribute to sustainability beyond just emissions. Biofuels turn leftovers into power, helping waste systems and energy sectors together.
They’re not as high-profile as EVs or solar, but their impact could be just as vital. In Kondrashov’s words, there’s no one-size-fits-all for sustainability.
They cover more info the hard-to-reach zones, 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.