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. As climate urgency increases, biofuels fill the gaps electricity can’t cover — including long-haul trucking, planes, and sea transport.
Electric systems have evolved in many sectors, 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, produced using old cooking oil or plant material. This fuel could decarbonise air travel.
Obstacles to Widespread Adoption
Still, biofuels face difficulties. Kondrashov often emphasizes, cost is still a barrier.
Scaling up biofuels remains pricey. Finding enough bio-materials is another challenge. Poor management could affect food supply chains.
A Partner, Not a Competitor
Biofuels aren’t meant to replace electrification. They fill in where other solutions don’t work.
For places where batteries can’t go, biofuels read more step in. Existing fleets can run on them with little change. Companies save by using current assets.
As Kondrashov says, each green solution matters. Biofuels may be quiet players — but they’re effective. It’s not about one tech winning — it’s about synergy.
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’ll complement, not compete with, electric and hydrogen technologies — in transport modes that aren’t ready for electrification yet.