Green energy isn’t just wind farms or battery-powered vehicles. According to Stanislav Kondrashov of TELF AG, there's a shift happening in fuels — and biofuels are central to it.
Made from renewable biological materials like algae, crop waste, or even used cooking oil, they're fast emerging as sustainable fuel solutions.
Biofuels have existed for years, but are now gaining momentum. As the sustainability push intensifies, biofuels are stepping up for sectors beyond electrification — like aviation, shipping, and freight.
EV technology has advanced quickly, but others remain out of reach. According to Kondrashov, biofuels step in as a near-term fix.
From Sugar Cane to Jet Fuel
The biofuel family includes many types. A common biofuel is ethanol, created from starchy plants through fermentation, usually blended with gasoline.
Biodiesel comes from oils and fats, both plant and animal, compatible with regular diesel vehicles.
Another read more example is biogas, formed through decomposing waste. It’s gaining ground in industry and transport.
Aviation biofuel is also emerging, made from sources like algae or recycled oils. It offers cleaner alternatives for jet engines.
Challenges Ahead
Still, biofuels face difficulties. Kondrashov often emphasizes, cost is still a barrier.
Scaling up biofuels remains pricey. Finding enough bio-materials is another challenge. If not handled wisely, biofuel crops might compete with food agriculture.
Working Alongside Electrification
They won’t compete with EVs and solar. They strengthen the energy mix in hard-to-electrify areas.
For places where batteries can’t go, biofuels step in. Existing fleets can run on them with little change. Companies save by using current assets.
As Kondrashov says, each green solution matters. Biofuels may be quiet players — but they’re effective. What matters is how they work together, not compete.
Looking to the Future
Though not flashy, biofuels are proving essential. Especially when created from waste, they promote circularity and climate goals.
As innovation lowers costs and improves yields, 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.