Title:
Fuelling Agricultural Vehicles with Excess Agricultural Biomass: A Swedish Case Study
Author(s):
Fahlén Hammar, A., Engstam, L., Tayebi, A., Nylund, E.J.
Document(s):
Paper
Abstract:
Converting residual agricultural biomass into fuel for use in agricultural machinery offers a promising opportunity to reduce climate impact and enhance self-sufficiency in agriculture. In this study, the potential of using manure and straw to produce methane or hydrogen for powering agricultural machinery in Sweden was evaluated. Through different conversion pathways based on gasification and anaerobic digestion, energy yields up to 3.1–6.4 TWh of methane or 1.6–3.8 TWh of hydrogen could be achieved, exceeding the estimated national agricultural machinery fuel demand at 2.8 TWh or 1.4 TWh respectively. Gasification offered the highest energy potential, while hydrogen enabled greater self-sufficiency compared to methane due to higher tank-to-wheel efficiency, albeit with a lower overall energy output. County-level analysis revealed energy surpluses in southern Sweden and deficits in the north, primarily due to uneven straw availability. This surplus energy could enhance self-sufficiency in other agricultural operations or contribute with renewable energy to other sectors.
Keywords:
agriculture, anaerobic digestion, gasification, hydrogen, methane, alternative fuel vehicle
Topic:
Sustainable Resources for Decarbonising the Economy
Subtopic:
Biomass resources and potentials
Event:
33rd European Biomass Conference and Exhibition
Session:
1AO.1.2
Pages:
25 - 38
ISBN:
978-88-89407-25-7
Paper DOI:
10.5071/33rdEUBCE2025-1AO.1.2
Price:
FREE
