Agricultural engineers are making progress in developing alternative power systems and fuels for agricultural equipment, but diesel engines remain the dominant choice in various fields at present.
By Amelia Genis, senior journalist at African Farming and Landbouweekblad
As the pressure to replace fossil fuels with renewable sources increases, Agritechnica, the world’s leading agriculture mechanisation show, this year focuses, among other things, on exhibitions and demonstrations of alternative fuels and power systems.
The show will be held in Hanover, Germany, from 9 to 15 November, and the German Agricultural Association (DLG), which organises it, says in a news release that manufacturers will be showcasing the latest equipment and systems this year.
Visitors will even have the opportunity to test drive these novelties. The alternatives to diesel engines include engines powered by environmentally friendly, liquid fuels, as well as engines with gas, battery and electric power systems.
The continued use of diesel engines, but with the improvement of hybridisation with other energy sources or electrification, will be discussed at the show. Although the techniques can increase efficiency, they still rely on fossil fuel, and the reduction in carbon dioxide emissions is limited.
According to the news release, a more climate-friendly option for powering diesel engines is to use alternative fuels such as vegetable oil, biodiesel, hydrogen-treated vegetable oil and synthetic fuels. Of all the options, only hydrogenated vegetable oil can be used in existing engines. However, this is not so readily available because of the high demand in other industries.
Fuel produced from renewable energy sources, such as water and carbon dioxide, offers a carbon-neutral option; however, it is also energy-intensive and expensive to manufacture.
Gas And Electric Systems Show Promise Despite Limitations
Another feature to be showcased at Agritechnica 2025 is internal combustion engines powered by gases such as methane and hydrogen. At this stage, however, their lower energy density and complex storage requirements do not make them a practical option for agriculture.
Vehicles such as small tractors under 95 kW and front-end loaders powered by battery electricity are suitable for certain uses because they can be recharged after the day’s work is completed. This application is not practical for larger tools because it requires so much more energy and the batteries for it are very heavy.
Another electric alternative is the fuel cell electric vehicle, which generates electricity from hydrogen, but they are still too expensive and complicated to be used widely.
Visitors to Agritechnica 2025 can view demonstrations of alternative power systems and learn about their effectiveness and reduced carbon dioxide emissions. There will also be an opportunity to test drive tractors powered by alternative energy. Test rides will take place every day from 09:30 to 17:00, and visitors can register at the show.
The ticket sales are open, and prospective visitors can purchase their tickets on the Agritechnica website.
