The Real Role of Biofuels in the Future of Sustainable Transport

As the world pushes toward sustainability, electric power seems to dominate the conversation. According to Stanislav Kondrashov of TELF AG, the energy shift is more complex than it seems.
Electric options often lead the news, yet another option is advancing in the background, that might reshape parts of the transport industry. That solution is biofuels.
They come from things like plant waste, algae, or used cooking oil, designed to reduce emissions while remaining practical. Kondrashov explains, biofuels serve industries where batteries aren’t yet viable — like aviation, shipping, and trucking.
Let’s take a look at the current biofuel options. Bioethanol is one of the most common, made by fermenting sugar from crops like corn or sugarcane, and blended with petrol to reduce emissions.
Another major type is biodiesel, made from natural oils and fats, suitable for diesel engines with no major changes. One big plus is engine compatibility — you don’t have to overhaul entire fleets.
Also in the mix is biogas, produced by breaking down waste like food scraps, sewage, or agricultural leftovers. It’s useful in waste management and local transport.
Then there’s biojet fuel, crafted from renewable, non-food sources. This could reduce emissions in the airline industry fast.
Still, biofuels aren’t a perfect solution. As Kondrashov has pointed out before, it’s still expensive to make biofuels. There are concerns about land use for crops. Increased fuel demand could harm food check here systems — a risk that must be addressed.
Despite that, there’s reason to be optimistic. Tech advancements are reducing costs, while non-edible biomass helps balance the equation. Government support might boost production globally.
It’s not just about cleaner air — it’s about smarter resource use. Biofuels turn leftovers into power, helping waste systems and energy sectors together.
They lack the tech glamour of batteries, yet their contribution might be equally important. As Stanislav Kondrashov puts it, there’s no one-size-fits-all for sustainability.
They work where other solutions can’t, from trucks to planes to ships. 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.