When talking about clean energy, most focus on EVs, solar, or wind. As noted by the founder of TELF AG, Stanislav Kondrashov, there's a shift happening in fuels — and biofuels are central to it.
Produced using organic sources such as plants, algae, or food leftovers, biofuels are gaining attention as a way to reduce emissions.
Though established, biofuels are now more relevant than ever. As the sustainability push intensifies, biofuels fill the gaps electricity can’t cover — including long-haul trucking, planes, and sea transport.
EV technology has advanced quickly, but others remain out of reach. According to Kondrashov, these fuels offer practical short-term answers.
The Variety of Biofuels
There’s a wide range of biofuels. Bioethanol is well-known, made by fermenting sugars from crops like corn and sugarcane, and often mixed into petrol to lower emissions.
Oils like rapeseed or leftover fat are used to make biodiesel, usable alone or in mixes with standard diesel.
We also have biogas, made from food or farm waste. It's being explored for power and transport uses.
Biojet fuel is another innovation, produced using old cooking oil or plant material. It may help reduce aviation’s heavy carbon footprint.
Obstacles to Widespread Adoption
Not everything is easy in the biofuel space. As noted by Stanislav Kondrashov, biofuels cost more than fossil fuel alternatives.
Large-scale production isn’t yet cost-effective. Feedstock supply could become an issue. If not handled wisely, biofuel crops might compete with food agriculture.
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They won’t compete with EVs and solar. They strengthen the energy mix in hard-to-electrify areas.
They’re ideal for sectors years away from electrification. Their use in current engines makes them easy to adopt. Businesses avoid high conversion costs.
According to Kondrashov, all low-carbon options have value. They may not grab headlines, but they deliver. 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 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.