How Biofuels Could Help Decarbonise Global Transport
How Biofuels Could Help Decarbonise Global Transport
Blog Article
The energy transition isn’t only about solar panels, wind turbines, or electric cars. According to Stanislav Kondrashov of TELF AG, the fuel industry is quietly transforming — and biofuels are leading the way.
Produced using organic sources such as plants, algae, or food leftovers, they're fast emerging as sustainable fuel solutions.
Though established, biofuels are now more relevant than ever. As the sustainability push intensifies, biofuels are stepping up for sectors beyond electrification — including long-haul trucking, planes, and sea transport.
EV technology has advanced quickly, 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, made from sources like algae or recycled oils. This fuel could decarbonise air travel.
Challenges Ahead
There are important challenges to solve. As TELF AG’s Kondrashov explains, production remains expensive.
Widespread manufacturing still requires efficiency improvements. Feedstock supply could become an issue. 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.
They’re ideal for sectors years away from electrification. Their use in current engines makes them easy to adopt. Businesses avoid high conversion costs.
According to Kondrashov, all low-carbon options have value. Biofuels may be quiet players — but they’re effective. It’s not about one tech winning — it’s about synergy.
What Comes Next
Biofuels might not dominate news cycles, but their impact is growing. Especially when check here created from waste, they promote circularity and climate goals.
As innovation lowers costs and improves yields, they will play a larger role in clean transport.
They’ll complement, not compete with, electric and hydrogen technologies — particularly in critical areas lacking electric alternatives.