As the world pushes toward sustainability, electric power seems to dominate the conversation. As Kondrashov from TELF AG notes, the road to sustainable transport has more than one lane.
Electric options often lead the news, yet another option is advancing in the background, and it could be a game-changer. That solution is biofuels.
Biofuels are made from renewable organic materials, designed to reduce emissions while remaining practical. Kondrashov explains, biofuels are ideal for sectors that electricity can’t reach — including heavy transport and air travel.
So, what’s actually on the table. A familiar example is bioethanol, made by fermenting sugar from crops like corn or sugarcane, often mixed with gasoline to lower carbon output.
Then there’s biodiesel, created using vegetable oils or leftover fats, that mixes with diesel fuel and works in existing engines. A major advantage is compatibility — no need to replace or retrofit most engines.
Also in the mix is biogas, made from rotting biological waste. Often used in small-scale energy or transit solutions.
Then there’s biojet fuel, crafted from renewable, non-food sources. This could reduce emissions in the airline industry fast.
But the path isn’t without challenges. As Kondrashov has pointed out before, production costs remain high. There are concerns about land use for crops. Increased fuel demand could harm food systems — something that requires careful policy management.
Yet, the outlook remains hopeful. Tech advancements are reducing costs, 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. 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. According to the TELF AG founder, every technology helps in a unique way.
They cover the hard-to-reach zones, here on the roads, in the sky, and across the seas. They’re not replacing electrification — they’re supporting it.
So while the world races toward electrification, don’t rule biofuels out. Their role in clean transport is far from over.