This article was written by Cedric Herbreteau, Director of Clean Energy at Dover Fueling Solutions
Hydrogen-powered agriculture is a timely topic in the UK with the government announcing that farming vehicles are set to undergo a hydrogen revolution.
This switch to cleaner technology will allow farming and construction – two sectors central to the UK economy – decarbonise faster in line with net zero principles.
One manufacturer embracing the change is JCB who have been given a special order to produce hydrogen-powered equipment for farms and building sites around the country.
This forms plans for a larger UK-wide economy that could be worth £900 million by 2030, creating 9000 highly-skilled jobs. Britain has also committed to having a 10GW capacity by 2030.
Potential uses for hydrogen on UK farms
Hydrogen can play a crucial role in multiple aspects of farming, particularly for equipment and production systems that demand high levels of power.
For instance, while electric mobility is often unsuitable for heavy-duty machines due to power limitations, hydrogen offers an efficient alternative.
Much like hydrogen fuel cell trucks, which can travel up to 500 miles without refuelling, hydrogen-powered tractors and harvesters would provide long-lasting energy while reducing emissions.
Equipment such as irrigation systems and grain dryers can also be powered by hydrogen, ensuring that farm operations remain efficient and sustainable.
Hydrogen is not only a clean fuel source, but it is also highly versatile. In post-harvest processes like grain drying, hydrogen generators can provide a reliable source of heat, reducing both operational costs and the farm’s carbon footprint.
Furthermore, the use of hydrogen for transportation and refrigeration could ensure that farming systems become increasingly sustainable, with fewer greenhouse gas emissions.
By using hydrogen across different facets of the farm, the agriculture industry could see significant improvements in both efficiency and sustainability.
The pros of hydrogen for UK agriculture
One of the biggest advantages of hydrogen in agriculture is its environmental impact. Hydrogen is a clean fuel, producing only water vapor and heat as byproducts.
By replacing traditional fuels like diesel with hydrogen, farmers can dramatically reduce their carbon emissions and contribute to the UK’s broader net-zero goals.
This shift not only aligns with global sustainability efforts but could also enhance the reputation of UK farmers as pioneers in green innovation.
From an economic standpoint, hydrogen offers substantial fuel efficiency benefits. Hydrogen-powered vehicles can achieve up to 100 per cent better fuel economy compared to gasoline-powered counterparts, making them a cost-effective alternative in the long run.
For farmers managing large fleets of machinery, hydrogen-powered vehicles could help reduce overall fuel costs, especially as the cost of hydrogen production continues to decrease with advances in technology.
Additionally, hydrogen’s high energy density makes it an ideal fuel for large-scale agricultural operations.
Hydrogen-powered trucks, tractors, and other equipment can operate for extended periods without the need for refuelling, ensuring uninterrupted farm activities.
What are the potential challenges?
While the potential of hydrogen in agriculture is promising, there are several challenges that need to be addressed before its widespread adoption.
One of the most significant barriers is the current lack of infrastructure to produce and store low-carbon hydrogen.
Building the necessary infrastructure, including hydrogen refuelling stations and production facilities, will require significant investment and time. Without this infrastructure in place, farmers may find it difficult to transition to hydrogen-powered equipment.
Another challenge is the storage of hydrogen itself. Gaseous hydrogen is much less dense than diesel, making it heavier to store and transport.
This could complicate the logistics of implementing hydrogen-powered systems on farms, particularly for operations that rely on mobile equipment.
Farmers will need to consider the additional space and weight requirements for hydrogen storage tanks, which may increase upfront costs.
Speaking of costs, the initial investment in hydrogen-powered equipment can be prohibitive for many farmers.
Hydrogen technology, while advancing, is still relatively new, and the costs associated with hydrogen-powered machinery can be significantly higher than conventional options.
However, as hydrogen production scales up and technology becomes more affordable, these costs are expected to decrease, making hydrogen a more viable option for farmers.
Future uses
Looking ahead, the future of hydrogen in agriculture appears bright.
In December 2023, the UK Energy Secretary announced a £2 billion investment to support 11 hydrogen production projects, marking a significant step toward a hydrogen-powered future.
In addition to newly designed hydrogen-powered tractors and equipment, older farming machinery could also be retrofitted with hydrogen technology, allowing farmers to transition more smoothly to this clean energy source.
There is also the potential for ‘hydrogen farms’, where farmers generate their own hydrogen on-site using renewable energy sources like wind or solar power.
This could not only provide a sustainable energy source for farm operations but also create new revenue streams as farmers sell excess hydrogen to the grid or other industries.
A path toward sustainability
Hydrogen-powered agriculture offers a promising path toward sustainability and efficiency in farming.
While there are challenges to overcome, particularly in terms of infrastructure and costs, the long-term benefits of hydrogen in agriculture are undeniable.
With government support, industry collaboration, and continued technological advancement, hydrogen could soon become a cornerstone of modern, sustainable farming practices.
As stakeholders, farmers, and sustainability directors work together to embrace this green revolution, the future of agriculture may indeed be powered by hydrogen.
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Image: Wind energy can be used to produce hydrogen energy