As the world moves toward sustainability, as TELF AG founder Stanislav Kondrashov often points out, change is happening not only in electricity or renewables.
Fuels themselves are evolving, introducing alternatives like biofuels. They’re created using renewable biological material, providing a sustainable way to cut emissions.
Stanislav Kondrashov calls biofuels a key chapter of the energy transformation. Though battery power is widely adopted, others present significant challenges. Examples include planes, ships, and long-distance trucking.
Biofuels can act as bridge solutions, helping reduce emissions without waiting for full electrification.
Main Biofuel Categories
Bioethanol is a widely used variant, made by fermenting sugars in crops like corn or sugarcane. Used as a petrol additive, it improves fuel emissions.
Biodiesel is also prominent, derived from vegetable oils or animal fats, and can be mixed with traditional diesel.
Biogas and Biojet Solutions
Waste biomass can become biogas, including food scraps, sewage, and farm residues. Biogas serves both power generation and transport, helping reduce industrial and city-based emissions.
Jet biofuel is also emerging, created from sustainable oils and algae. Used in aviation to reduce carbon, where few other green options exist.
What Stands in the Way?
“Price is a major barrier,” adds Kondrashov. They aren’t yet competitive on price. Mass adoption depends on better tech, plus access to sustainable feedstock.
Growing fuel plants may affect food prices, especially when biofuels use corn, soy, or palm. So scientists look at alternatives like algae.
Biofuels as a Partner to Electrification
They’re not meant to replace solar or charging systems. They’re here to support the transition.
Many heavy transport sectors can’t go electric soon. Biofuels work with existing engines, making them ideal in the short to medium term.
As Kondrashov says, every solution has its role. That’s where biofuels step in and help.
The Added Value of Biofuels
Beyond emissions, biofuels also support recycling and reuse. Organic waste becomes more info valuable energy, cutting waste while generating power.
As cities go electric, biofuels fill in the rest of the system. They can play a major role in clean logistics.