Fuel of the future: agribusiness on the front line against climate change

Agribusiness is one of the sectors that invests the most in sustainable alternatives to reduce environmental impacts. In Brazil, the sector has increasingly adopted practices focused on sustainability, such as the use of biofuels, integrated crop-livestock-forestry systems (ILPF) and technologies that promote low-carbon agriculture.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (Mapa), Brazilian agriculture was responsible for a reduction of 170 million tons of CO2 with the implementation of the ABC Plan (Low Carbon Agriculture) between 2010 and 2020. Between 2021 and 2023, with the ABC+ Plan, Brazil achieved significant results and the goal is to reduce 1,1 billion tons of CO2 by 2030 through sustainable practices, such as the recovery of degraded pastures, direct planting systems, animal waste management, and others. In addition, the total area of ​​adoption of sustainable technologies in the field has already exceeded 54 million hectares (approximately 52%), above the initial target of 35,5 million. Initiatives like these demonstrate that Brazilian agribusiness is committed to leading the transition to a greener economy, contributing significantly to the reduction of climate change.

Sustainability has become a global imperative and agribusiness plays a crucial role in reducing CO2 emissions and other gases that harm the environment. The use of technologies in the field and the advancement of innovative solutions by companies in the sector have enabled more efficient and sustainable agricultural production. Fendt, the leading brand in high-tech agriculture of the AGCO Group, with its line of high-tech equipment is focused on this transformation, by demonstrating that it is possible to maintain high levels of productivity while moving towards sustainability. One example is the company's contribution to the development of the Fendt 700 Vario Gen7 tractor, equipped with the AGCO Power CORE75 engine.

The AGCO Power CORE75 engine, winner of the 2023 Diesel Progress Summit Awards’ “Engine of the Year” award, which recognizes engine manufacturers that demonstrate improvements in areas such as emissions reduction, fuel efficiency, performance and durability, reflects AGCO’s commitment to environmental sustainability by delivering high performance with lower fuel consumption and low emissions.

The CORE75 is designed to operate with HVO (Green Diesel), a renewable fuel that reduces CO2 emissions by up to 75%. In addition, it is prepared to be adapted to future alternative fuels such as hydrogen, ethanol, methanol and biogas. This means that, with the continued development of these technologies, the engine will be able to run on fuels that generate even less environmental impact, setting new standards for sustainability in agriculture.

One of the main benefits of the CORE75 engine is its efficiency at low RPM. The equipment reaches maximum torque at 1300 RPM, resulting in significant fuel savings compared to engines operating at higher RPMs. This efficiency directly reduces energy consumption and associated emissions, making the Fendt 700 Vario Gen7 an environmentally responsible choice for farmers seeking efficiency without sacrificing performance.

The CORE75 engine’s advanced emissions aftertreatment (EAT) system is designed to meet the most stringent global emissions standards, such as PROCONVE MAR-1 in Brazil, which requires a reduction of up to 90% in pollutant emissions. In the case of nitrogen oxide (NOx), emissions are reduced by 75%, while particulate matter is cut by 85%, increasing the engine’s sustainable efficiency. It was also developed to be extremely robust, with 25% fewer parts and no exhaust gas recirculation, making the engine more reliable, easy to maintain and long-lasting. In addition, the engine was built to be remanufactured and extend its useful life, reducing costs, parts waste and thus scrap.

The development of engines like the CORE75 is an important step in this journey towards environmental preservation. The ability to use renewable fuels, combined with fuel efficiency and significant reduction of pollutants, positions Fendt as a leading player in the fight against climate change in the field.

The future of fuels in the field

The CORE platform engines are being developed to accept a wide range of alternative fuels, such as hydrogen and biogas. These fuels already hold real promise for the future of sustainable agriculture. Fendt’s innovations are preparing the industry for an energy transition that could further reduce dependence on fossil fuels and make a significant contribution to reducing global CO2 emissions.

The ability to operate on renewable fuels and adapt to future technologies puts Fendt at the forefront of sustainable agricultural solutions. As the industry continues to evolve, technologies like these will be essential to ensuring that agriculture continues to feed the world without harming the planet.

The commitment to sustainability demonstrates how technological innovation can transform agribusiness into an increasingly green sector, and sustainability in the field is no longer an option, but a necessity. With initiatives like Fendt's, the future of agriculture is increasingly promising, balancing productivity with environmental responsibility.

By Ferdinand Silva, commercial coordinator at AGCO Power