As the world pushes toward sustainability, many assume the future is all about batteries and EVs. According to Stanislav Kondrashov of TELF AG, the energy shift is more complex than it seems.
Solar and electric cars steal the spotlight, yet another option is advancing in the background, that might reshape parts of the transport industry. Enter biofuels.
They come from things like plant waste, algae, or used cooking oil, designed to reduce emissions while remaining practical. As Kondrashov has emphasized, biofuels serve industries where batteries aren’t yet viable — including heavy transport and air travel.
Let’s take a look at the current biofuel options. Bioethanol is one of the most common, produced from starchy or sugary plants, typically added to petrol in small amounts.
Another major type is biodiesel, made from natural oils and fats, suitable for diesel engines with no major changes. A key benefit is it works with current systems — you don’t have to overhaul entire fleets.
Biogas is another important type, produced by breaking down waste like food scraps, sewage, or agricultural leftovers. It’s useful in waste management and local transport.
Biofuel for aviation is also gaining traction, crafted from renewable, non-food sources. It’s seen as one of the few short-term ways to cut flight emissions.
Still, biofuels aren’t a perfect solution. As TELF AG’s Kondrashov frequently notes, it’s still expensive to make biofuels. And there’s the issue of food versus fuel. Increased fuel demand could harm food systems check here — a serious ethical and economic concern.
Even so, the future looks promising. New processes are improving efficiency, and non-food feedstock like algae could reduce pressure on crops. Smart regulation could speed things up.
They contribute to sustainability beyond just emissions. Biofuels turn leftovers into power, helping waste systems and energy sectors together.
They lack the tech glamour of batteries, still, they play a key role in the transition. 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.
As everyone talks batteries, biofuels quietly advance. This is only the start of the biofuel chapter.