Reducing greenhouse gas emissions from agricultural machinery

The exact emissions from agricultural machinery are unclear. Diesel remains the standard fossil fuel, and there is little information available regarding possibilities for reducing the use of fossil fuels in agricultural machinery. The Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) works on the development of fossil-free agricultural machinery and to promote their purchase and use.

Five routes

In collaboration with manufacturers/importers of (fossil-free) agricultural machinery, research institutions, industry associations, entrepreneurs, and RVO specialists, RVO conducted research. Five routes emerged from the research that could contribute to fossil-free agricultural machinery. These routes were identified through desk research, 14 stakeholder interviews, and an input session with various parties.

The five routes that contribute to the sustainability of agricultural machinery are both technological and behavioral: 1) renewable fuels, 2) battery-electric, 3) hydrogen, 4) robotics, and 5) behavioral change. All five routes offer significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, and if sustainable electricity is used, zero emissions are even possible.

Lack of a clear direction

The agricultural machinery sector itself does not have all the possible options for sustainability and lacks a clear direction from the Dutch government on this issue. A collaborative approach and development, therefore, seem advantageous, as climate policy requires a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from agricultural machinery as well.

On one hand, there is a lack of incentive among agricultural entrepreneurs, agricultural contractors, and other users to invest in more sustainable agricultural machinery. It remains costly, and there are no reimbursements or rewards offered. On the other hand, there are few significant technological barriers to further greening agricultural machinery.

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Require development

However, the technological routes still require research, further development, practical implementation, supply chain development, and (financial) support before they can be applied and have an impact on the climate transition. The routes of renewable fuels, with some conditions regarding availability, and the route of electric vehicles up to 55 hp or even up to 120 hp, can already contribute to the sustainability of agricultural machinery in the short term.

The routes of robotics and hydrogen with fuel cells still require significant development before they can contribute to fossil-free agricultural machinery. Behavioral change, alongside technical solutions, can also lead to less use of fossil fuels with good business results. It often entails adjustments in operations, such as less intensive soil cultivation and feeding fresh grass.

Renewable fuels

The generation and production of sustainable electricity and renewable fuels (biogas) on the agricultural premises can accelerate the transition to sustainable agricultural machinery since the possibilities align with the proposed routes.The agricultural sector is already involved in biogas production. This biogas can be used in tractors with a gas engine after processing.

The transition to sustainable agricultural machinery, with a significant role for robotics, aligns with several other societal challenges within agriculture. Examples include improving soil quality, labor saving, precision farming for fertilization, and reducing the use of chemical crop protection.

By greening agricultural machinery through the five described routes, not only can gains be made in climate (CO₂ reduction) and the environment (reducing NOx, particulate matter, soot emissions), but there is also a positive impact on other transition paths in agriculture.