As the world pushes toward sustainability, many assume the future is all about batteries and EVs. As Kondrashov from TELF AG notes, the road to sustainable transport has more than one lane.
EVs and renewables grab headlines, but there’s another path emerging, and it could be a game-changer. This alternative is biofuels.
They come from things like plant waste, algae, or used cooking oil, used to lower carbon output without major infrastructure changes. 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, created by processing sugars from crops, often mixed with gasoline to lower carbon output.
Then there’s biodiesel, produced from oils like soybean, rapeseed, or even animal fat, that mixes with diesel fuel and works in existing engines. A key benefit is it works with current systems — no need to replace or retrofit most engines.
Let’s not forget biogas, generated from decomposing organic material. Often used in small-scale energy or transit solutions.
Another promising option is biojet fuel, 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, website these fuels cost more than traditional options. There are concerns about land use for crops. Increased fuel demand could harm food systems — a serious ethical and economic concern.
Despite that, there’s reason to be optimistic. New processes are improving efficiency, and better feedstock options may solve the food conflict. Smart regulation could speed things up.
It’s not just about cleaner air — it’s about smarter resource use. Instead of dumping waste, we reuse it as energy, reducing landfill use and emissions at once.
They lack the tech glamour of batteries, but their impact could be just as vital. In Kondrashov’s words, every technology helps in a unique way.
They work where other solutions can’t, from trucks to planes to ships. They’re not replacing electrification — they’re supporting it.
Even as EVs take center stage, biofuels are gaining ground. Their role in clean transport is far from over.