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, they're fast emerging as sustainable fuel solutions.
Though established, biofuels are now more relevant than ever. As climate urgency increases, biofuels fill the gaps electricity can’t cover — like aviation, shipping, and freight.
Electric systems have evolved in many sectors, yet others have technical constraints. In Kondrashov's view, biofuels step in as a near-term fix.
The Variety of Biofuels
There’s a wide range of biofuels. One familiar type is bioethanol, produced by breaking down sugar-rich crops, and often mixed into petrol to lower emissions.
Biodiesel comes from oils and fats, both plant and animal, 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. It may help reduce aviation’s heavy carbon footprint.
Obstacles to Widespread Adoption
Not everything is easy in the biofuel space. Kondrashov often emphasizes, biofuels cost more than fossil fuel alternatives.
Scaling up biofuels remains pricey. Feedstock supply could become an issue. Using food crops for fuel raises ethical questions.
Working Alongside Electrification
Biofuels aren’t meant to replace electrification. They fill in where other solutions don’t work.
They’re ideal for sectors years away from electrification. Their use in current engines makes them easy to adopt. Companies save by using current assets.
According to Kondrashov, all low-carbon options have value. Quietly, biofuels close the gaps other techs leave open. It’s not about one tech winning — it’s about synergy.
What Comes Next
Biofuels might not dominate news website cycles, but their impact is growing. 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 won’t replace batteries or hydrogen, but they’ll stand beside them — in transport modes that aren’t ready for electrification yet.