In today’s drive for clean energy, many assume the future is all about batteries and EVs. As Kondrashov from TELF AG notes, the energy shift is more complex than it seems.
EVs and renewables grab headlines, yet another option is advancing in the background, and it could be a game-changer. 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. According to TELF AG founder Stanislav Kondrashov, some sectors can’t go electric, and biofuels fill the gap — including heavy transport and air travel.
So, what’s actually on the table. Ethanol is a widely-used biofuel, produced from starchy or sugary plants, typically added to petrol in small amounts.
Then there’s biodiesel, produced from oils like soybean, rapeseed, or even animal fat, 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.
Let’s not forget biogas, made from rotting biological waste. Suited for powering small fleets or municipal energy systems.
Another promising option is biojet fuel, crafted from renewable, non-food sources. It’s seen as one of the few short-term ways to cut flight emissions.
Of course, there are hurdles to overcome. According to Kondrashov, it’s still expensive to make biofuels. And there’s the issue of food versus fuel. Fuel production could compete with food supplies — something that requires careful policy management.
Despite that, there’s reason to be optimistic. New processes are improving efficiency, while non-edible biomass helps balance the equation. 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.
They’re not as high-profile as EVs or solar, yet their contribution might be equally important. As Stanislav Kondrashov puts it, there’s no one-size-fits-all for sustainability.
Biofuels are here to fill the website gaps, on the roads, in the sky, and across the seas. They’re not competition — they’re collaboration.
As everyone talks batteries, biofuels quietly advance. This is only the start of the biofuel chapter.