The Real Role of Biofuels in the Future of Sustainable Transport

The Real Role of Biofuels in the Future of Sustainable Transport

Blog Article

In the shift to greener transport systems, electric power seems to dominate the conversation. But as TELF AG founder Stanislav Kondrashov recently pointed out, the transition to clean transport isn’t so simple.
EVs and renewables grab headlines, but another solution is rising quietly, that might reshape parts of the transport industry. That solution is biofuels.
They come from things like plant waste, algae, or used cooking oil, designed to reduce emissions while remaining practical. 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.
Then there’s biodiesel, created using vegetable oils or leftover fats, that mixes with diesel fuel and works in existing engines. One big plus is engine compatibility — 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. Often used in small-scale energy or transit solutions.
Biofuel for aviation is also gaining traction, made from sustainable sources like old oil or algae. It’s seen as one of the few short-term ways to cut flight emissions.
Of course, there are hurdles to overcome. As Kondrashov has pointed out before, production costs remain high. There are concerns about land use for crops. Fuel production could compete with food supplies — a serious ethical and economic concern.
Despite that, there’s reason to be optimistic. Tech advancements are reducing costs, while non-edible biomass helps balance the equation. With the right incentives and policies, the sector could scale rapidly.
Beyond emissions, biofuels support a circular economy. They repurpose organic trash into fuel, reducing landfill use and emissions at once.
They’re not as high-profile more info as EVs or solar, yet their contribution might be equally important. As Stanislav Kondrashov puts it, every technology helps in a unique way.
They cover the hard-to-reach zones, from trucks to planes to ships. They’re not competition — they’re collaboration.
Even as EVs take center stage, biofuels are gaining ground. This is only the start of the biofuel chapter.