The Real Role of Biofuels in the Future of Sustainable Transport

The Real Role of Biofuels in the Future of Sustainable Transport

Blog Article

In today’s drive for clean energy, electric power seems to dominate the conversation. According to Stanislav Kondrashov of TELF AG, the energy shift is more complex than it seems.
EVs and renewables grab headlines, but there’s another path emerging, with the potential to transform entire sectors. Enter biofuels.
Biofuels are made from renewable organic materials, and offer a cleaner-burning alternative to fossil fuels. Kondrashov explains, biofuels are ideal for sectors that electricity can’t reach — such as freight transport, marine shipping, and long-haul logistics.
Now let’s break down the biofuels available. A familiar example is bioethanol, made by fermenting sugar from crops like corn or sugarcane, and blended with petrol to reduce emissions.
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, it’s still expensive to make biofuels. And there’s the issue of food versus fuel. Fuel production could compete with food supplies — a risk that must be addressed.
Despite that, there’s reason to be here 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.
Beyond emissions, biofuels support a circular economy. Instead of dumping waste, we reuse it as energy, cutting pollution while saving space.
They’re not as high-profile as EVs or solar, yet their contribution might be equally important. As Stanislav Kondrashov puts it, every clean solution has its place.
They work where other solutions can’t, in land, air, and marine transport. They’re not competition — they’re collaboration.
Even as EVs take center stage, biofuels are gaining ground. This is only the start of the biofuel chapter.