Here's how the project to develop one tractor might revolutionize the farming and automotive industries in the UK

• The UK government's Advanced Manufacturing Plan is investing £4.5 billion into sustainable manufacturing.
• A joint initiative between the government and the automotive industry has led to the creation of the world's first methane-powered tractor.
• The technologies developed to support the tractor can be applied in heavy-duty vehicles like trucks and buses.

As the UK government builds on the country's progress towards achieving net zero, including becoming the first major economy to halve its emissions, it is supporting the research and development of a revolutionary methane-powered tractor, unlocking the potential for private sector innovation and sowing the seeds for a greener future in farming and transportation alike.

This ground-breaking initiative aligns with the UK government's Advanced Manufacturing Plan, a £4.5 billion investment package aimed at propelling the UK to the forefront of sustainable manufacturing.

Developed by British companies with significant government support, the world's first tractor powered solely by methane made from farm waste is a significant step forward in empowering farmers to produce their own fuel and cut down on greenhouse gas emissions.

"As well as capitalizing on the R&D in the UK, it is expected to reduce CO₂ emissions, reduce costs for farmers, and supports the UK's ability to be a global leader in sustainability," said Andrew Damant, deputy director, Automotive, for the UK's Department for Business and Trade (DBT).

The Low Carbon T6 Methane Power Tractor received £9.1 million in government funding from the DBT through the Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC), a joint initiative between the automotive industry and government that facilitates funding to UK-based research and development projects developing emission technologies.

The project was led by the global capital goods company CNH Industrial, in partnership with Eminox, an exhaust and after-treatment technology specialist, and Zircotec, a thermal management and ceramic coating specialist. The tractor was built at a CNH industrial facility in the UK with a consortium of British companies working together on the development of this initiative.

Circular usage of agricultural products is key

The project represents a paradigm shift in agricultural practices. The process involves converting agricultural waste into energy. This is possible because of a technique developed by one of CNH Industrial's partners, Bennamann, a biomethane startup from Cornwall.

A special cover is used on a farm's waste collection areas (known as slurry lagoons) to catch methane emissions that would otherwise escape into the air. This methane is then cleaned and turned into fuel for farm machinery or used to generate electricity. This power can either be used on the farm or sold back to the grid, providing farmers with an extra source of income.

The system can scale up as needed, with livestock farmers who have at least 100 cows able to use it. Mobile gas processing technology allows nearby farms to join in, making it a win-win situation for everyone involved. Not only does the system offer predictable costs for operating, but it also uses the by-product as natural fertilizer, enriching the soil for better regeneration. "Recycling farm waste into fuel, electricity and natural fertilizer supports a truly circular farm economy," said Derek Neilson, president of agriculture at CNH Industrial.

The potential of the methane tractor extends far beyond the farm. Many of the technologies developed to support it, such as advanced propulsion systems and exhaust after-treatment technologies, have applications in other heavy-duty vehicles like trucks, buses, and construction equipment. This cross-pollination of innovation can support the growth of advanced manufacturing in the UK's automotive sector — an industry the government already recognizes as crucial.

The UK boasts the second-largest automotive industry in Europe by value added, and its commitment to a greener future is evident in initiatives like the APC and the Automotive Transformation Fund, which have already invested significantly in research and development of zero-emission vehicles and supply chains. And it doesn't stop there: The UK government recently announced the Auto2030 initiative, a £2 billion program to further support the industry's transition to ZEVs, as part of the Advanced Manufacturing Plan.

Industry leaders pulled together to work on the project

The success of the methane tractor project is testament to the power of collaboration. Zircotec's heat-shielding technologies were an essential part of the project, making it safe to use methane as fuel, which burns hotter than diesel in internal combustion engines. The ceramic materials are made without any plastics or liquids, reducing industry reliance on oil-based materials. The ultra-thin coatings have all the advantages of ceramics while significantly reducing waste.

The tractor also features an exhaust aftertreatment system that was designed and manufactured by Eminox. This helped it to meet European emissions regulations while delivering the same driving performance as equivalent diesel models. "Achieving net zero is only feasible if fossil fuels can be replaced in heavy duty applications with analogous, sustainable substitutes. Eminox is committed to the innovation and development of exhaust aftertreatment technologies to accommodate a range of alternative fuels," said Dr David Phillips, engineering director at Eminox.

CNH Industrial remains at the forefront of using alternative fuels in farming machinery, effectively reducing vehicle emissions. The company's latest innovation in this space is its introduction of the first prototype tractor that runs exclusively on liquified methane — the New Holland T7 Methane Power LNG. When methane is liquified, more fuel can be stored in the same space, enabling tractors to work for longer in the field between refueling.

The T7 LNG emits 80% less carbon monoxide and 62% less nitrogen oxide compared to its diesel equivalent. In an average farming season, the tractor can cut down CO₂ emissions by 878 tons annually, equivalent to the emissions of 100 households. "These efforts focus on reducing the total emissions our products generate during their operational lifetime, which represent our largest opportunity to reduce our CO₂ footprint," Neilson said.

Beyond the agricultural sector, the methane tractor project holds promise for transforming the entire automotive sector. By demonstrating the viability of alternative fuel technologies in heavy-duty vehicles, this initiative paves the way for a more sustainable future in transportation. With continued commitment to such initiatives, the UK is poised to lead the charge toward a more sustainable future for generations to come.

Learn more about how the UK is supporting a greener future.

This post was created by Insider Studios with the UK Department for Business and Trade.