15. Energy Solutions for Agricultural Machinery: From the Oil Era Towards a Sustainable Bioeconomy

Agriculture is at the heart of the bioeconomy. One central factor in agriculture is energy, which is needed for processes such as powering field machines like tractors and combine harvesters but also irrigation pumps, stable fans and grain drying systems. Modern implements like seeders, planters and manure spreaders need energy both for their movement (traction) and onboard equipment like fans, pumps, computer power and hydraulics. The study focuses on energy solutions for field machines in farming. These machines do their job in the countryside, far away from the energy infrastructure found in cities, and that is a challenge. One main part of the analysis in this chapter is a historical discussion on energy provision. Another part is an overview of present initiatives, including both those implemented in practice (like biogas and battery concepts) and those in trials or only discussed among experts in the industry (like fuel cell or hydrogen concepts). Derived from this analysis are some future visions towards a (1) fossil-free, (2) cost-effective and (3) sufficient energy system for farming field machines. In addition to these three dimensions, also discussed, for example, is the need for local production (small-scale circular systems), the weather independency aspect (for energy production) and autonomous vs. traditional machine systems.