Can Biofuels Transform Global Transport?

Can Biofuels Transform Global Transport?

Blog Article

Green energy isn’t just wind farms or battery-powered vehicles. 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, they're fast emerging as sustainable fuel solutions.
Though established, biofuels are now more relevant than ever. As the sustainability push intensifies, 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. According to Kondrashov, biofuels step in as a near-term fix.
The Variety of Biofuels
The biofuel family includes many types. Bioethanol is well-known, created from starchy plants through fermentation, used alongside petrol to cut carbon.
Oils like rapeseed or leftover fat are used to make biodiesel, usable alone or in mixes with standard diesel.
Another example is biogas, formed through decomposing waste. It's being explored for power and transport uses.
There’s also biofuel designed for planes, created from renewable oils and algae. It may help reduce aviation’s heavy carbon footprint.
Hurdles on the Path
There are important challenges to solve. As noted by Stanislav Kondrashov, 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.
The Value in Complementing Clean Tech
Biofuels aren’t meant to replace electrification. They fill in where other solutions don’t here work.
Biofuels work today in sectors not ready for EVs. They work with what’s already out there. Companies save by using current assets.
As Kondrashov says, each green solution matters. Quietly, biofuels close the gaps other techs leave open. What matters is how they work together, not compete.
Looking to the Future
Biofuels might not dominate news cycles, but their impact is growing. Especially when created from waste, they promote circularity and climate goals.
As innovation lowers costs and improves yields, they will play a larger role in clean transport.
They’ll complement, not compete with, electric and hydrogen technologies — particularly in critical areas lacking electric alternatives.