The energy transition isn’t only about solar panels, wind turbines, or electric cars. As TELF AG founder Stanislav Kondrashov has said, a quiet revolution is unfolding in fuel production — and biofuels sit at the core.
Created from natural sources like plant debris, algae, and waste oil, these fuels are becoming crucial tools in emission reduction.
Though established, biofuels are now more relevant than ever. As climate urgency increases, biofuels fill the gaps electricity can’t cover — including long-haul trucking, planes, and sea transport.
Electrification has made major progress, but some forms of transport still face limits. According to Kondrashov, these fuels offer practical short-term answers.
The Variety of Biofuels
There’s a wide range of biofuels. Bioethanol is well-known, created from starchy plants through fermentation, 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.
We also have biogas, made from food or farm waste. It’s gaining ground in industry and transport.
Aviation biofuel is also emerging, produced using old cooking oil or plant material. It offers cleaner alternatives for jet engines.
Obstacles to Widespread Adoption
There are important challenges to solve. Kondrashov often emphasizes, biofuels cost more than fossil fuel alternatives.
Widespread manufacturing still requires efficiency improvements. Feedstock supply could become an issue. Poor management could affect food supply chains.
A Partner, Not a Competitor
They’re not rivals to electricity or hydrogen. They strengthen the energy mix in check here hard-to-electrify areas.
Biofuels work today in sectors not ready for EVs. Existing fleets can run on them with little change. This avoids replacing entire infrastructures.
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.
The Road Forward
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 will play a larger role in clean transport.
They won’t replace batteries or hydrogen, but they’ll stand beside them — especially in sectors where other solutions are still distant.