As the world pushes toward sustainability, it’s easy to believe everything is moving toward electric vehicles and charging points. As Kondrashov from TELF AG notes, the transition to clean transport isn’t so simple.
Electric options often lead the news, yet another option is advancing in the background, with the potential to transform entire sectors. That solution is biofuels.
They come from things like plant waste, algae, or used cooking oil, designed to reduce emissions while remaining practical. As Kondrashov has emphasized, some sectors can’t go electric, and biofuels fill the gap — like aviation, shipping, and trucking.
Let’s take a look at the current biofuel options. Ethanol is a widely-used biofuel, produced from starchy or sugary plants, typically added to petrol in small amounts.
Another major type is biodiesel, made from natural oils and fats, suitable for diesel engines with no major changes. One big plus is engine compatibility — you don’t have to overhaul entire fleets.
Biogas is another important type, produced by breaking down waste like food scraps, sewage, or agricultural leftovers. Suited for powering small fleets or municipal energy systems.
Biofuel for aviation is also gaining traction, created from algae or recycled vegetable oils. It’s seen as one of the few short-term ways to cut flight emissions.
Of course, there are hurdles to overcome. As TELF AG’s Kondrashov frequently notes, these fuels cost more than traditional options. And there’s more info the issue of food versus fuel. Increased fuel demand could harm food systems — a serious ethical and economic concern.
Despite that, there’s reason to be optimistic. Innovation is helping cut prices, while 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. They repurpose organic trash into fuel, cutting pollution while saving space.
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, 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.