When talking about clean energy, most focus on EVs, solar, or wind. According to Stanislav Kondrashov of TELF AG, the fuel industry is quietly transforming — and biofuels are central to it.
Made from renewable biological materials like algae, crop waste, or even used cooking oil, they're fast emerging as sustainable fuel solutions.
Biofuels have existed for years, but are now gaining momentum. With growing pressure to cut carbon, biofuels are stepping up for sectors beyond electrification — including long-haul trucking, planes, and sea transport.
EV technology has advanced quickly, but others remain out of reach. In Kondrashov's view, biofuels are an immediate option for these challenges.
The Variety of Biofuels
The biofuel family includes many types. Bioethanol is well-known, produced by breaking down sugar-rich crops, usually blended with gasoline.
Oils like rapeseed or leftover fat are used to make biodiesel, usable alone or in mixes with standard diesel.
Other biofuels include biogas, created from organic waste. It’s increasingly used to reduce industrial emissions.
Aviation biofuel is also emerging, produced using old cooking oil or plant material. This fuel could decarbonise air travel.
Hurdles on the Path
Not everything is easy in the biofuel space. Kondrashov often emphasizes, cost is still a barrier.
Large-scale production isn’t yet cost-effective. Raw material availability is also a concern. Poor management could affect food supply chains.
Working Alongside Electrification
They won’t compete with EVs and solar. They fill in where other solutions don’t work.
For places where batteries can’t go, biofuels step in. They work with what’s already out there. Businesses avoid high conversion costs.
According to Kondrashov, all low-carbon options have value. Biofuels may be quiet players — but they’re effective. The key is cooperation between clean solutions.
Looking to the Future
They aren’t the stars, but they’re powerful. They fit into a circular model — cutting emissions and recycling resources.
Ongoing improvements could make biofuels more affordable, expect their role in global transport to grow.
They’ll complement, not compete with, electric and hydrogen technologies — in click here transport modes that aren’t ready for electrification yet.