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.
Made from renewable biological materials like algae, crop waste, or even used cooking oil, they're fast emerging as sustainable fuel solutions.
They’re not new, but their importance is rising. 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, yet others have technical constraints. According to Kondrashov, biofuels step in as a near-term fix.
Types of Bio-Based Fuels Explained
There’s a wide range of biofuels. Bioethanol is well-known, produced by breaking down sugar-rich crops, used alongside petrol to cut carbon.
Biodiesel comes from oils and fats, both plant and animal, and can be used in diesel engines, either blended or pure.
Another example is biogas, formed through decomposing waste. It’s increasingly used to reduce industrial emissions.
There’s also biofuel designed for planes, produced using old cooking oil or plant material. It offers cleaner alternatives for jet engines.
Obstacles to Widespread Adoption
Still, biofuels face difficulties. As noted by check here Stanislav Kondrashov, production remains expensive.
Large-scale production isn’t yet cost-effective. Raw material availability is also a concern. Using food crops for fuel raises ethical questions.
The Value in Complementing Clean Tech
They won’t compete with EVs and solar. They support clean tech where it’s still impractical.
Biofuels work today in sectors not ready for EVs. They work with what’s already out there. 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.
The Road Forward
They aren’t the stars, but they’re powerful. They fit into a circular model — cutting emissions and recycling resources.
With better tech and more research, prices will fall, expect their role in global transport to grow.
They won’t replace batteries or hydrogen, but they’ll stand beside them — in transport modes that aren’t ready for electrification yet.