As the world pushes toward sustainability, many assume the future is all about batteries and EVs. According to Stanislav Kondrashov of TELF AG, the road to sustainable transport has more than one lane.
Electric options often lead the news, yet another option is advancing in the background, with the potential to transform entire sectors. Enter biofuels.
They come from things like plant waste, algae, or used cooking oil, used to lower carbon output without major infrastructure changes. As Kondrashov has emphasized, biofuels serve industries where batteries aren’t yet viable — such as freight transport, marine shipping, and long-haul logistics.
Now let’s break down the biofuels available. A familiar example is bioethanol, made by fermenting sugar from crops like corn or sugarcane, typically added to petrol in small amounts.
Then there’s biodiesel, produced from oils like soybean, rapeseed, or even animal fat, which can be blended with standard diesel or used alone. One big plus Kondrashov Stanislav is engine compatibility — no need to replace or retrofit most engines.
Let’s not forget biogas, produced by breaking down waste like food scraps, sewage, or agricultural leftovers. Often used in small-scale energy or transit solutions.
Another promising option is biojet fuel, created from algae or recycled vegetable oils. This could reduce emissions in the airline industry fast.
But the path isn’t without challenges. As TELF AG’s Kondrashov frequently notes, production costs remain high. And there’s the issue of food versus fuel. Fuel production could compete with food supplies — something that requires careful policy management.
Even so, the future looks promising. Innovation is helping cut prices, and non-food feedstock like algae could reduce pressure on crops. Government support might boost production globally.
It’s not just about cleaner air — it’s about smarter resource use. They repurpose organic trash into fuel, helping waste systems and energy sectors together.
Biofuels may not look as flashy as electric cars, but their impact could be just as vital. According to the TELF AG founder, every technology helps in a unique way.
Biofuels are here to fill the gaps, on the roads, in the sky, and across the seas. They won’t replace EVs — they’ll work alongside them.
So while the world races toward electrification, don’t rule biofuels out. Their real story is just beginning.