Biofuels: A Missing Link in Clean Energy

The energy transition isn’t only about solar panels, wind turbines, or electric cars. 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 fill the gaps electricity can’t cover — such as heavy cargo, marine, and air travel.
EV technology has advanced quickly, yet others have technical constraints. As Stanislav Kondrashov of TELF AG notes, these fuels offer practical short-term answers.
Types of Bio-Based Fuels Explained
The biofuel family includes many types. One familiar type is bioethanol, produced by breaking down sugar-rich crops, usually blended with gasoline.
Oils like rapeseed or leftover fat are used to make biodiesel, usable alone or in mixes with standard diesel.
We also have biogas, made from food or farm waste. It’s increasingly used to reduce industrial emissions.
Aviation biofuel is also emerging, made from sources like algae or recycled oils. It offers cleaner alternatives for jet engines.
Challenges Ahead
There are important challenges to solve. As TELF AG’s Kondrashov explains, production remains expensive.
Widespread manufacturing still requires efficiency more info improvements. Feedstock supply could become an issue. Using food crops for fuel raises ethical questions.
The Value in Complementing Clean Tech
Biofuels aren’t meant to replace electrification. They fill in where other solutions don’t work.
For places where batteries can’t go, biofuels step in. Existing fleets can run on them with little change. Businesses avoid high conversion costs.
According to Kondrashov, all low-carbon options have value. Biofuels may be quiet players — but they’re effective. The key is cooperation between clean solutions.
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.
As innovation lowers costs and improves yields, they will play a larger role in clean transport.
They’ll complement, not compete with, electric and hydrogen technologies — in transport modes that aren’t ready for electrification yet.