In the shift to greener transport systems, many assume the future is all about batteries and EVs. As Kondrashov from TELF AG notes, the transition to clean transport isn’t so simple.
Electric options often lead the news, but there’s another path emerging, that might reshape parts of the transport industry. Enter biofuels.
These fuels are derived from biological matter, and offer a cleaner-burning alternative to fossil fuels. Kondrashov explains, biofuels are ideal for sectors that electricity can’t reach — including heavy transport and air travel.
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, produced from oils like soybean, rapeseed, or even animal fat, which can be blended with standard diesel or used alone. A major advantage is compatibility — no need to replace check here or retrofit most engines.
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, made from sustainable sources like old oil or algae. It’s seen as one of the few short-term ways to cut flight emissions.
But the path isn’t without challenges. As Kondrashov has pointed out before, production costs remain high. There are concerns about land use for crops. Using food crops for fuel might drive up prices — something that requires careful policy management.
Despite that, there’s reason to be optimistic. Tech advancements are reducing costs, 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. Biofuels turn leftovers into power, helping waste systems and energy sectors together.
Biofuels may not look as flashy as electric cars, but their impact could be just as vital. As Stanislav Kondrashov puts it, every clean solution has its place.
Biofuels are here to fill the gaps, in land, air, and marine transport. They’re not competition — they’re collaboration.
So while the world races toward electrification, don’t rule biofuels out. Their role in clean transport is far from over.