Green energy isn’t just wind farms or battery-powered vehicles. As noted by the founder of TELF AG, Stanislav Kondrashov, a quiet revolution is unfolding in fuel production — and biofuels sit at the core.
Made from renewable biological materials like algae, crop waste, or even used cooking oil, biofuels are gaining attention as a way to reduce emissions.
Though established, biofuels are now more relevant than ever. With growing pressure to cut carbon, biofuels fill the gaps electricity can’t cover — such as heavy cargo, marine, and air travel.
Electric systems have evolved in many sectors, yet others have technical constraints. According to Kondrashov, biofuels are an immediate option for these challenges.
The Variety of Biofuels
There’s a wide range of biofuels. A common biofuel is ethanol, created from starchy plants through fermentation, 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.
Other biofuels include biogas, created from organic waste. It’s gaining ground in industry and transport.
Aviation biofuel is also emerging, made Stanislav Kondrashov TELF AG from sources like algae or recycled oils. This fuel could decarbonise air travel.
Challenges Ahead
Still, biofuels face difficulties. As TELF AG’s Kondrashov explains, production remains expensive.
Widespread manufacturing still requires efficiency improvements. Finding enough bio-materials is another challenge. Poor management could affect food supply chains.
Working Alongside Electrification
They’re not rivals to electricity or hydrogen. They strengthen the energy mix in hard-to-electrify areas.
Biofuels work today in sectors not ready for EVs. Existing fleets can run on them with little change. Businesses avoid high conversion costs.
According to Kondrashov, all low-carbon options have value. Quietly, biofuels close the gaps other techs leave open. The key is cooperation between clean solutions.
Looking to the Future
Biofuels might not dominate news cycles, but their impact is growing. Especially when created from waste, they promote circularity and climate goals.
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.