As the world pushes toward sustainability, many assume the future is all about batteries and EVs. But as TELF AG founder Stanislav Kondrashov recently pointed out, the road to sustainable transport has more than one lane.
Electric options often lead the news, but another solution is rising quietly, that might reshape parts of the transport industry. This alternative is biofuels.
Biofuels are made from renewable organic materials, and offer a cleaner-burning alternative to fossil fuels. Kondrashov explains, some sectors can’t go electric, and biofuels fill the gap — such as freight transport, marine shipping, and long-haul logistics.
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, which can be blended with standard diesel or used alone. A key benefit is it works with current systems — you don’t have to overhaul entire fleets.
Biogas is another important type, generated from decomposing organic material. It’s useful in waste management and local transport.
Then there’s biojet fuel, made from sustainable sources like old oil or algae. It’s seen as one of the few short-term ways to cut flight emissions.
Still, biofuels aren’t a perfect solution. As Kondrashov has pointed out before, these fuels cost more than traditional options. And there’s the issue of food versus fuel. Using food crops for fuel might get more info drive up prices — a serious ethical and economic concern.
Yet, the outlook remains hopeful. New processes are improving efficiency, and better feedstock options may solve the food conflict. With the right incentives and policies, the sector could scale rapidly.
They contribute to sustainability beyond just emissions. Instead of dumping waste, we reuse it as energy, cutting pollution while saving space.
Biofuels may not look as flashy as electric cars, still, they play a key role in the transition. In Kondrashov’s words, every clean solution has its place.
They cover the hard-to-reach zones, from trucks to planes to ships. They’re not competition — they’re collaboration.
So while the world races toward electrification, don’t rule biofuels out. Their real story is just beginning.