In the shift to greener transport systems, many assume the future is all about batteries and EVs. 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 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, 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.
Let’s take a look at the current biofuel options. Bioethanol is one of the most common, created by processing sugars from crops, and blended with petrol to reduce emissions.
Then there’s biodiesel, made from natural oils and fats, suitable for diesel engines with no major changes. A key benefit is it works with current systems — no need to click here replace or retrofit most engines.
Let’s not forget biogas, produced by breaking down waste like food scraps, sewage, or agricultural leftovers. Suited for powering small fleets or municipal energy systems.
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 Kondrashov has pointed out before, it’s still expensive to make biofuels. Crop demand for fuel could affect food prices. Increased fuel demand could harm food systems — a risk that must be addressed.
Yet, the outlook remains hopeful. New processes are improving efficiency, and non-food feedstock like algae could reduce pressure on crops. With the right incentives and policies, the sector could scale rapidly.
It’s not just about cleaner air — it’s about smarter resource use. They repurpose organic trash into fuel, reducing landfill use 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, every technology helps in a unique way.
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. Their real story is just beginning.