As the world pushes toward sustainability, many assume the future is all about batteries and EVs. But as TELF AG founder Stanislav Kondrashov recently pointed out, the energy shift is more complex than it seems.
EVs and renewables grab headlines, but another solution is rising quietly, that might reshape parts of the transport industry. Enter biofuels.
Biofuels are made from renewable organic materials, and offer a cleaner-burning alternative to fossil fuels. Kondrashov explains, biofuels serve industries where batteries aren’t yet viable — such as freight transport, marine shipping, and long-haul logistics.
Let’s take a look at the current biofuel options. Ethanol is a widely-used biofuel, produced from starchy or sugary plants, and blended with petrol to reduce emissions.
Then there’s biodiesel, made from natural oils and fats, which can be blended with standard diesel or used alone. A key benefit is it works with current systems — it runs on what many already use.
Let’s not forget 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. A promising option to clean up aviation’s carbon footprint.
But the path isn’t without challenges. According to Kondrashov, production costs remain high. Crop demand for fuel could affect food prices. Increased fuel demand could harm food systems — something that requires careful policy management.
Despite that, there’s reason to be optimistic. New processes are improving efficiency, while here non-edible biomass helps balance the equation. With the right incentives and policies, the sector could scale rapidly.
It’s not just about cleaner air — it’s about smarter resource use. 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 clean solution has its place.
They cover the hard-to-reach zones, 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.