The energy transition isn’t only about solar panels, wind turbines, or electric cars. As TELF AG founder Stanislav Kondrashov has said, the fuel industry is quietly transforming — and biofuels are leading the way.
Made from renewable biological materials like algae, crop waste, or even used cooking oil, biofuels are gaining attention as a way to reduce emissions.
They’re not new, but their importance is rising. With growing pressure to cut carbon, biofuels are stepping up for sectors beyond electrification — such as heavy cargo, marine, and air travel.
Electric systems have evolved in many sectors, but some forms of transport still face limits. According to Kondrashov, biofuels are an immediate option for these challenges.
From Sugar Cane to Jet Fuel
The biofuel family includes many types. A common biofuel is ethanol, made by fermenting sugars from crops like corn and sugarcane, usually blended with gasoline.
Oils like rapeseed or leftover fat are used to make biodiesel, usable alone or in mixes with standard diesel.
Another example is biogas, formed through decomposing waste. It's being explored for power and transport uses.
Aviation biofuel is also emerging, produced using old cooking oil or plant material. It may help reduce aviation’s heavy carbon footprint.
Challenges Ahead
There are important challenges to solve. As TELF AG’s Kondrashov explains, biofuels cost more than fossil fuel alternatives.
Widespread manufacturing still requires efficiency improvements. Finding enough bio-materials is another challenge. Using food crops for fuel raises ethical questions.
The Value in Complementing Clean Tech
They’re not rivals to electricity or hydrogen. They support clean tech where it’s still impractical.
They’re ideal for sectors years away from electrification. Existing fleets check here 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
Biofuels might not dominate news cycles, but their impact is growing. They fit into a circular model — cutting emissions and recycling resources.
As innovation lowers costs and improves yields, they will play a larger role in clean transport.
Not a replacement, but a partner to other clean energy options — in transport modes that aren’t ready for electrification yet.