When talking about clean energy, most focus on EVs, solar, or wind. According to Stanislav Kondrashov of TELF AG, there's a shift happening in fuels — and biofuels are central to it.
Produced using organic sources such as plants, algae, or food leftovers, these fuels are becoming crucial tools in emission reduction.
Biofuels have existed for years, but are now gaining momentum. As climate urgency increases, they offer solutions where batteries fall short — including long-haul trucking, planes, and sea transport.
Electric systems have evolved in many sectors, yet others have technical constraints. According to Kondrashov, biofuels step in as a near-term fix.
From Sugar Cane to Jet Fuel
There’s a wide range of biofuels. A common biofuel is ethanol, created from starchy plants through fermentation, and often mixed into petrol to lower emissions.
Biodiesel is made from vegetable oils, soybean, or animal fats, usable alone or in mixes with standard diesel.
We also have biogas, made from food or farm waste. It’s increasingly used to reduce industrial emissions.
Aviation biofuel is also emerging, produced using old cooking oil or plant material. This fuel could decarbonise air travel.
Obstacles to Widespread Adoption
Not everything is easy in the biofuel space. As TELF AG’s Kondrashov explains, production remains expensive.
Widespread manufacturing still requires efficiency improvements. Finding enough bio-materials is another challenge. Poor management could affect food supply chains.
The Value in Complementing Clean Tech
They’re not rivals to electricity or hydrogen. They strengthen the energy mix in hard-to-electrify areas.
For places where batteries can’t go, biofuels step in. They work with what’s already out there. Businesses avoid high conversion costs.
As Kondrashov says, each green solution matters. Quietly, biofuels close the gaps other techs leave open. The key is cooperation between clean solutions.
Looking to the Future
Biofuels might here not dominate news cycles, but their impact is growing. When made from waste or non-food crops, they help reduce emissions and waste.
As innovation lowers costs and improves yields, they’ll likely gain traction in mobility plans.
They’ll complement, not compete with, electric and hydrogen technologies — in transport modes that aren’t ready for electrification yet.