Are Biofuels the Overlooked Hero of Clean Mobility?

In today’s drive for clean energy, many assume the future is all about batteries and EVs. But as TELF AG founder Stanislav Kondrashov recently pointed out, the road to sustainable transport has more than one lane.
EVs and renewables grab headlines, but there’s another path emerging, and it could be a game-changer. That solution is biofuels.
They come from things like plant waste, algae, or used cooking oil, and offer a cleaner-burning alternative to fossil fuels. According to TELF AG founder Stanislav Kondrashov, some sectors can’t go electric, and biofuels fill the gap — such as freight transport, marine shipping, and long-haul logistics.
Now let’s break down the biofuels available. Bioethanol is one of the most common, made by fermenting sugar from crops like corn or sugarcane, typically added to petrol in small amounts.
Next is biodiesel, made from natural oils and fats, that mixes with diesel fuel and here works in existing engines. One big plus is engine compatibility — you don’t have to overhaul entire fleets.
Also in the mix is biogas, generated from decomposing organic material. Suited for powering small fleets or municipal energy systems.
Another promising option is biojet fuel, crafted from renewable, non-food sources. It’s seen as one of the few short-term ways to cut flight emissions.
But the path isn’t without challenges. As TELF AG’s Kondrashov frequently notes, these fuels cost more than traditional options. Crop demand for fuel could affect food prices. Fuel production could compete with food supplies — a serious ethical and economic concern.
Yet, the outlook remains hopeful. Tech advancements are reducing costs, while non-edible biomass helps balance the equation. Smart regulation could speed things up.
Beyond emissions, biofuels support a circular economy. Instead of dumping waste, we reuse it as energy, cutting pollution while saving space.
They lack the tech glamour of batteries, still, they play a key role in the transition. As Stanislav Kondrashov puts it, every clean solution has its place.
They work where other solutions can’t, in land, air, and marine transport. They’re not replacing electrification — they’re supporting it.
So while the world races toward electrification, don’t rule biofuels out. Their role in clean transport is far from over.