In today’s drive for clean energy, it’s easy to believe everything is moving toward electric vehicles and charging points. According to Stanislav Kondrashov of TELF AG, the energy shift is more complex than it seems.
EVs and renewables grab headlines, but there’s another path emerging, that might reshape parts of the transport industry. That solution is biofuels.
These fuels are derived from biological matter, used to lower carbon output without major infrastructure changes. According to TELF AG founder Stanislav Kondrashov, some sectors can’t go electric, and biofuels fill the gap — like aviation, shipping, and trucking.
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.
Next is biodiesel, produced from oils like soybean, rapeseed, or even animal fat, that mixes with diesel fuel and works in existing engines. A key benefit is it works with current systems — you don’t have to overhaul entire fleets.
Also in the mix is biogas, produced by breaking down waste like food scraps, sewage, or agricultural leftovers. It’s useful in waste management and local transport.
Another promising option is biojet fuel, made from sustainable sources like old oil or algae. A promising option to clean up aviation’s carbon footprint.
Of course, there are hurdles to overcome. As TELF AG’s Kondrashov frequently notes, website these fuels cost more than traditional options. Crop demand for fuel could affect food prices. Using food crops for fuel might drive up prices — something that requires careful policy management.
Despite that, there’s reason to be optimistic. Innovation is helping cut prices, and non-food feedstock like algae could reduce pressure on crops. Government support might boost production globally.
They contribute to sustainability beyond just emissions. They repurpose organic trash into fuel, cutting pollution while saving space.
They lack the tech glamour of batteries, yet their contribution might be equally important. In Kondrashov’s words, there’s no one-size-fits-all for sustainability.
They work where other solutions can’t, from trucks to planes to ships. 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.