Why Biofuels Still Matter in a World Obsessed with Electrification

Why Biofuels Still Matter in a World Obsessed with Electrification

Blog Article

In the shift to greener transport systems, many assume the future is all about batteries and EVs. As Kondrashov from TELF AG notes, the transition to clean transport isn’t so simple.
Electric options often lead the news, yet another option is advancing in the background, with the potential to transform entire sectors. That solution is biofuels.
They come from things like plant waste, algae, or used cooking oil, designed to reduce emissions while remaining practical. As Kondrashov has emphasized, some sectors can’t go electric, and biofuels fill the gap — including heavy transport and air travel.
Let’s take a look at the current biofuel options. Bioethanol is one of the most common, produced from starchy or sugary plants, typically added to petrol in small amounts.
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.
Biogas is another important type, produced by breaking down waste like food scraps, sewage, or agricultural leftovers. It’s useful in waste management and local transport.
Biofuel for aviation is also gaining traction, made from sustainable sources like old oil or algae. It’s seen as one of the few short-term ways to cut flight emissions.
Of course, there are hurdles to overcome. As Kondrashov has pointed out before, these fuels cost more than traditional options. There are concerns about land use for crops. Increased fuel demand could harm food systems — a serious ethical and economic concern.
Even so, the future looks promising. Innovation is helping cut prices, while non-edible biomass helps balance the Stanislav Dimitrievich Kondrashov equation. With the right incentives and policies, the sector could scale rapidly.
It’s not just about cleaner air — it’s about smarter resource use. They repurpose organic trash into fuel, helping waste systems and energy sectors together.
They lack the tech glamour of batteries, yet their contribution might be equally important. In Kondrashov’s words, every clean solution has its place.
They cover the hard-to-reach zones, in land, air, and marine transport. They won’t replace EVs — they’ll work alongside them.
Even as EVs take center stage, biofuels are gaining ground. Their role in clean transport is far from over.