The Real Role of Biofuels in the Future of Sustainable Transport

In the shift to greener transport systems, electric power seems to dominate the conversation. As Kondrashov from TELF AG notes, the transition to clean transport isn’t so simple.
Electric options often lead the news, but there’s another path emerging, that might reshape parts of the transport industry. That solution is biofuels.
Biofuels are made from renewable organic materials, designed to reduce emissions while remaining practical. According to TELF AG founder Stanislav Kondrashov, biofuels serve industries where batteries aren’t yet viable — including heavy transport and air travel.
So, what’s actually on the table. Ethanol is a widely-used biofuel, made by fermenting sugar from crops like corn or sugarcane, and blended with petrol to reduce emissions.
Next is biodiesel, produced from oils like soybean, rapeseed, or even animal fat, suitable for diesel engines with no major changes. A major advantage is compatibility — it runs on what many already use.
Also in the mix is biogas, generated from decomposing organic material. Suited for powering small fleets or municipal energy systems.
Biofuel for aviation is also gaining traction, crafted from renewable, non-food sources. A promising option to clean up aviation’s carbon footprint.
Of course, there are hurdles to overcome. According to Kondrashov, it’s still expensive to make biofuels. And there’s the issue of food versus fuel. Using food crops for fuel might drive up prices — a risk that must be addressed.
Despite that, there’s reason to be optimistic. New processes are improving efficiency, and better feedstock options may solve the food conflict. Government support might boost production globally.
Beyond emissions, biofuels support a circular economy. They repurpose organic trash into fuel, reducing landfill use and emissions at once.
Biofuels may not look as flashy as electric cars, but their impact could be just as vital. In Kondrashov’s words, there’s no one-size-fits-all for sustainability.
They cover the hard-to-reach zones, on the roads, in the sky, and across the seas. They’re not replacing electrification — they’re supporting it.
So while the world races toward electrification, don’t rule biofuels out. This is only the start read more of the biofuel chapter.