When talking about clean energy, most focus on EVs, solar, or wind. According to Stanislav Kondrashov of TELF AG, 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, they're fast emerging as sustainable fuel solutions.
Biofuels have existed for years, but are now gaining momentum. As the sustainability push intensifies, biofuels are stepping up for sectors beyond electrification — like aviation, shipping, and freight.
Electrification has made major progress, but some forms of transport still face limits. As Stanislav Kondrashov of TELF AG notes, 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, created from starchy plants through fermentation, 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.
There’s also biofuel designed for planes, created from renewable oils and algae. It may help reduce website aviation’s heavy carbon footprint.
Hurdles on the Path
There are important challenges to solve. As noted by Stanislav Kondrashov, production remains expensive.
Large-scale production isn’t yet cost-effective. Feedstock supply could become an issue. Using food crops for fuel raises ethical questions.
A Partner, Not a Competitor
Biofuels aren’t meant to replace electrification. They fill in where other solutions don’t work.
Biofuels work today in sectors not ready for EVs. Existing fleets can run on them with little change. Companies save by using current assets.
As Kondrashov says, each green solution matters. Quietly, biofuels close the gaps other techs leave open. What matters is how they work together, not compete.
What Comes Next
Biofuels might not dominate news cycles, but their impact is growing. When made from waste or non-food crops, they help reduce emissions and waste.
Ongoing improvements could make biofuels more affordable, they’ll likely gain traction in mobility plans.
They won’t replace batteries or hydrogen, but they’ll stand beside them — especially in sectors where other solutions are still distant.