AUGA group, Europe’s largest vertically integrated organic food producer, has developed and presented the world’s first hybrid bio-methane and electric tractor for professional farm use – AUGA M1. 

The new eco-tractor is the company’s first step in offering technological solutions that will eliminate climate pollution throughout the food supply chain – from field to table.

“We are ready to provide consumers around the world with food at no cost to nature. By eating such food, people themselves will make a positive impact on climate change daily. And we are sure that more and more people want to live like this,” noted Kęstutis Juščius, CEO of AUGA group, who said his business is determined to become a world leader in sustainable and organic food technologies.

Climate-pollution-curbing technology

Agricultural activity is responsible for almost one-quarter of all greenhouse gas pollution in the world, and a significant portion of those emissions are generated due to the use of fossil fuels in agricultural machinery.

 “Three years ago, when we first calculated our emissions, we saw that as much as 30 per cent of them come from the use of fossil fuels on farms. There were simply no solutions to change it,” reported the CEO of AUGA group. “That’s why we have taken the lead in developing technologies that will allow us to create a new standard for sustainable agriculture and drastically reduce pollution throughout the food value chain,” he explained. “And the first result of this work is a bio-methane and electric tractor.”

According to the executive, bio-methane – one of the greenest types of biofuel – will be used as an alternative fuel to power the innovative new eco-tractor. Methane, collected from livestock waste and converted to bio-methane, offsets more emissions per unit of energy in its production and use cycle than it emits.

Until now, sustainable fuel tractors delivered worldwide have not been suitable for professional farm work. AUGA group’s new tech changes that, said Mr Juščius. “Our invention makes it possible to create a wide range of tractor applications and make it accessible to all farmers who want to work sustainably,” he told Food & Beverage Networker. “We are not developing technology just to solve own emissions and deliver on the promise of becoming a CO2-neutral company by 2030. Our goal is bigger – we will strive to make this tractor and other technologies that are still being developed available to farmers all over the world and help solve the global problem of pollution in the agricultural sector.”

Eco-solutions invented by Lithuanian engineers

According to Mr Juščius, the hybrid AUGA M1 tractor is unique because it solves two main obstacles that have so far prevented the world’s largest corporations from offering such equipment for professional use.

“Our team of engineers has found solutions to solve the problem of refuelling and ensure uninterrupted operation of the tractor throughout the working day,” the CEO advised. “Currently, bio-methane-powered tractors are able to operate for only two to four hours because the gas cylinders do not physically fit into the tractor structure. However, farmers need agricultural machinery that can work for 12 hours or more. AUGA group understands this perfectly and has created a solution.”

The company’s patented design allows the tractor to accommodate larger bio-methane gas cylinders. The AUGA M1 tractor uses a hybrid bio-methane-electric fuel system. When the tractor is running, an internal combustion engine powered by bio-methane generates energy and transmits it directly to the electric motors that spin the wheels. The company’s patented design allows the tractor to accommodate larger bio-methane gas cylinders.

When operating under normal conditions that do not require high power, the tractor stores the generated energy reserve in the batteries. Such a system does not waste energy in low load conditions, uses a relatively small but efficient motor, and is able to extract tremendous power when needed. These solutions allow the tractor to work for up to 12 hours.

The second obstacle to the widespread adoption of bio-methane-powered tractors is the underdeveloped bio-methane refuelling station infrastructure. AUGA group solved this problem by offering quick and convenient gas cartridge replacement.

“Real change” will be created by the community

According to the CEO of AUGA group, while implementing its global strategy on agricultural technologies (AgTech), the company is set to present more solutions in the near future, aimed at ensuring the sustainability of the entire food chain. The company’s specialists are currently developing other sustainable solutions for technologies that will eliminate carbon emissions from the soil and digestive process of cattle.

“Our innovations will bring together a global community of responsible consumers, smart farmers and bold investors,” enthused Mr Juščius in closing. “It will ensure real change by creating an environmentally friendly food supply chain, and will allow us to implement the vision of AUGA group – to become synonymous with sustainable food and lifestyle.”