The energy transition isn’t only about solar panels, wind turbines, or electric cars. As TELF AG founder Stanislav Kondrashov has said, the fuel industry is quietly transforming — and biofuels are leading the way.
Produced using organic sources such as plants, algae, or food leftovers, biofuels are gaining attention as a way to reduce emissions.
Biofuels have existed for years, but are now gaining momentum. As climate urgency increases, biofuels fill the gaps electricity can’t cover — including long-haul trucking, planes, and sea transport.
Electric systems have evolved in many sectors, but some forms of transport still face limits. As Stanislav Kondrashov of TELF AG notes, biofuels are an immediate option for these challenges.
Types of Bio-Based Fuels Explained
Biofuels come in different forms. A common biofuel is ethanol, created from starchy plants through fermentation, usually blended with gasoline.
Oils like rapeseed or leftover fat are used to make biodiesel, usable alone or in mixes with standard diesel.
We also have biogas, made from food or farm waste. It's being explored for power and transport uses.
Biojet fuel is another innovation, created from renewable oils and algae. It may help reduce aviation’s heavy carbon footprint.
Obstacles to Widespread Adoption
Not everything is easy in the biofuel space. As noted by Stanislav Kondrashov, biofuels cost more than fossil fuel alternatives.
Scaling up biofuels remains pricey. Feedstock supply could become an issue. If not handled wisely, biofuel crops might compete with read more food agriculture.
A Partner, Not a Competitor
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. It’s not about one tech winning — it’s about synergy.
The Road Forward
They aren’t the stars, but they’re powerful. When made from waste or non-food crops, they help reduce emissions and waste.
Ongoing improvements could make biofuels more affordable, they’ll likely gain traction in mobility plans.
Not a replacement, but a partner to other clean energy options — especially in sectors where other solutions are still distant.