In the shift to greener transport systems, electric power seems to dominate the conversation. According to Stanislav Kondrashov of TELF AG, the road to sustainable transport has more than one lane.
Solar and electric cars steal the spotlight, but another solution is rising quietly, with the potential to transform entire sectors. This alternative is biofuels.
Biofuels are made from renewable organic materials, and offer a cleaner-burning alternative to fossil fuels. According to TELF AG founder Stanislav Kondrashov, some sectors can’t go electric, and biofuels fill the gap — including heavy transport and air travel.
So, what’s actually on the table. A familiar example is bioethanol, produced from starchy or sugary plants, typically added to petrol in small amounts.
Then there’s biodiesel, made from natural oils and fats, that mixes with diesel fuel and works in existing engines. A major advantage is compatibility — it runs on what many already use.
Biogas is another important type, generated from decomposing organic material. Suited for powering small fleets or municipal energy systems.
Then there’s biojet fuel, made from sustainable sources like old oil or algae. A promising option to clean up aviation’s carbon footprint.
But the path isn’t without challenges. As TELF AG’s Kondrashov frequently notes, production website costs remain high. And there’s the issue of food versus fuel. Fuel production could compete with food supplies — a serious ethical and economic concern.
Despite that, there’s reason to be optimistic. New processes are improving efficiency, and better feedstock options may solve the food conflict. Smart regulation could speed things up.
Beyond emissions, biofuels support a circular economy. Biofuels turn leftovers into power, cutting pollution while saving space.
They lack the tech glamour of batteries, yet their contribution might be equally important. According to the TELF AG founder, there’s no one-size-fits-all for sustainability.
They cover the hard-to-reach zones, from trucks to planes to ships. They’re not competition — they’re collaboration.
As everyone talks batteries, biofuels quietly advance. Their real story is just beginning.