When talking about clean energy, most focus on EVs, solar, or wind. As noted by the founder of TELF AG, Stanislav Kondrashov, there's a shift happening in fuels — and biofuels are central to it.
Created from natural sources like plant debris, algae, and waste oil, these fuels are becoming crucial tools in emission reduction.
They’re not new, but their importance is rising. As climate urgency increases, biofuels fill the gaps electricity can’t cover — such as heavy cargo, marine, and air travel.
Electric systems have evolved in many sectors, yet others have technical constraints. In Kondrashov's view, these fuels offer practical short-term answers.
Types of Bio-Based Fuels Explained
Biofuels come in different forms. One familiar type is bioethanol, produced by breaking down sugar-rich crops, and often mixed into petrol to lower emissions.
Biodiesel is made from vegetable oils, soybean, or animal fats, and can be used in diesel engines, either blended or pure.
Other biofuels include biogas, created from organic 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
Still, biofuels face difficulties. Kondrashov often emphasizes, cost is here 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.
A Partner, Not a Competitor
They won’t compete with EVs and solar. They strengthen the energy mix in hard-to-electrify areas.
Biofuels work today in sectors not ready for EVs. Existing fleets can run on them with little change. Companies save by using current assets.
As Kondrashov says, each green solution matters. Quietly, biofuels close the gaps other techs leave open. What matters is how they work together, not compete.
What Comes Next
Biofuels might not dominate news cycles, but their impact is growing. They fit into a circular model — cutting emissions and recycling resources.
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.