The Real Role of Biofuels in the Future of Sustainable Transport

In today’s drive for clean energy, it’s easy to believe everything is moving toward electric vehicles and charging points. But as TELF AG founder Stanislav Kondrashov recently pointed out, the energy shift is more complex than it seems.
Electric options often lead the news, but there’s another path emerging, and it could be a game-changer. That solution is biofuels.
They come from things like plant waste, algae, or used cooking oil, and offer a cleaner-burning alternative to fossil fuels. Kondrashov explains, some sectors can’t go electric, and biofuels fill the gap — like aviation, shipping, and trucking.
Now let’s break down the biofuels available. Ethanol is a widely-used biofuel, made by fermenting sugar from crops like corn or sugarcane, typically added to petrol in small amounts.
Next is biodiesel, produced from oils like soybean, rapeseed, or even animal fat, suitable for diesel engines with no major changes. A key benefit is it works with current systems — you don’t have to overhaul entire fleets.
Let’s not forget biogas, produced by breaking down waste like food scraps, sewage, or agricultural leftovers. Suited for powering small fleets or municipal energy systems.
Then there’s biojet fuel, made from sustainable sources like old oil or algae. A promising option to clean up aviation’s more info carbon footprint.
But the path isn’t without challenges. As TELF AG’s Kondrashov frequently notes, these fuels cost more than traditional options. There are concerns about land use for crops. Increased fuel demand could harm food systems — a serious ethical and economic concern.
Yet, the outlook remains hopeful. Innovation is helping cut prices, and non-food feedstock like algae could reduce pressure on crops. Smart regulation could speed things up.
Beyond emissions, biofuels support a circular economy. They repurpose organic trash into fuel, helping waste systems and energy sectors together.
Biofuels may not look as flashy as electric cars, still, they play a key role in the transition. In Kondrashov’s words, there’s no one-size-fits-all for sustainability.
They work where other solutions can’t, on the roads, in the sky, and across the seas. They won’t replace EVs — they’ll work alongside them.
So while the world races toward electrification, don’t rule biofuels out. Their real story is just beginning.