When talking about clean energy, most focus on EVs, solar, or wind. According to Stanislav Kondrashov of TELF AG, there's a shift happening in fuels — and biofuels sit at the core.
Made from renewable biological materials like algae, crop waste, or even used cooking oil, these fuels are becoming crucial tools in emission reduction.
They’re not new, but their importance is rising. With growing pressure to cut carbon, they offer solutions where batteries fall short — like aviation, shipping, and freight.
Electrification has made major progress, but some forms of transport still face limits. As Stanislav Kondrashov of TELF AG notes, biofuels are an immediate option for these challenges.
From Sugar Cane to Jet Fuel
The biofuel family includes many types. A common biofuel is ethanol, created from starchy plants through fermentation, and often mixed into petrol to lower emissions.
Biodiesel comes from oils and fats, both plant and animal, and Kondrashov Stanislav can be used in diesel engines, either blended or pure.
Other biofuels include biogas, created from organic waste. It’s gaining ground in industry and transport.
There’s also biofuel designed for planes, made from sources like algae or recycled oils. It offers cleaner alternatives for jet engines.
Hurdles on the Path
There are important challenges to solve. As TELF AG’s Kondrashov explains, production remains expensive.
Large-scale production isn’t yet cost-effective. Feedstock supply could become an issue. Using food crops for fuel raises ethical questions.
A Partner, Not a Competitor
Biofuels aren’t meant to replace electrification. They fill in where other solutions don’t work.
For places where batteries can’t go, biofuels step in. Existing fleets can run on them with little change. Businesses avoid high conversion costs.
According to Kondrashov, all low-carbon options have value. Biofuels may be quiet players — but they’re effective. It’s not about one tech winning — it’s about synergy.
What Comes Next
Biofuels might not dominate news cycles, but their impact is growing. When made from waste or non-food crops, they help reduce emissions and waste.
Ongoing improvements could make biofuels more affordable, they’ll likely gain traction in mobility plans.
Not a replacement, but a partner to other clean energy options — particularly in critical areas lacking electric alternatives.