Diesel has been the fuel choice of Australian farmers for quite a long time. Diesel has been the backbone of agriculture, whether a tractor, a harvester, irrigation pumps, or generators. However, with the increase in fuel costs, stricter emission standards, and the urgent need to minimise greenhouse gas emissions, the agriculture industry is actively exploring clean energy diesel alternatives.
Low-carbon diesel alternatives, such as biodiesel and renewable diesel (HVO), are gaining popularity as viable solutions for sustainable farming. These alternatives reduce carbon footprints and help farmers future-proof their farming operations.
Why Does Clean Diesel Matter in Agriculture?
Recent studies show that fuel use contributes to approximately 10-15% of total agricultural emissions in Australia. Hence, choosing low-carbon diesel alternatives can help farmers:
- Minimise greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80%.
- Reduce operating costs in the long run.
- Enhance engine performance and longevity.
- Minimise reliance on imported fossil fuels.
For farmers, clean energy diesel leads to cost savings, energy security, and environmental stewardship.
Biodiesel: The Traditional Green Fuel
1. What is Biodiesel?
Biodiesel is made from vegetable oils, animal fats, and waste cooking oil through a chemical process known as transesterification. Simply put, transesterification converts oils and fats into usable biodiesel and glycerol by swapping the chemical bonds with alcohol. Biodiesel is mostly blended with conventional diesel, wherein B5 (5% biodiesel) and B20 (20% biodiesel) are commonly used as blends.
2. Benefits of Biodiesel
- Offers enhanced lubricity, minimising engine wear.
- Allows farmers to use locally grown oilseed crops as feedstock.
- Supports rural economies and circular waste management.
3. Challenges of Biodiesel
- Pure biodiesel contains approximately 7% less energy per litre than petroleum diesel.
- It is susceptible to oxidation, microbial growth, and cold-weather gelling.
- Higher blends can corrode storage tanks and engines.
Biodiesel is ideal for farms looking to minimise emissions slowly, without affecting their equipment.
Renewable Diesel (HVO): The Drop-In Solution
1. What is Renewable Diesel?
Renewable diesel is also known as Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO). It is chemically almost like fossil diesel. As the name implies, renewable diesel or HVO is made by hydrotreating feedstocks like tallow, used cooking oil, or crop residues. It is a true ‘drop-in’ fuel that needs no modifications to existing engines.
2. Advantages of Renewable Diesel
- Minimises lifecycle CO₂ emissions by 60-90%.
- Performs better in cold weather and storage stability.
- Has a higher cetane number, which leads to cleaner combustion.
- Fully compatible with farm machinery, storage tanks, and distribution systems.
3. Availability in Australia
- Ampol now offers R100 (pure renewable diesel) and R20 Amplify (20% renewable diesel blend).
- Viva Energy and Delta Specialised Energy offer renewable diesel with international sustainability certifications.
- A renewable diesel facility in WA’s Wheatbelt will now convert farm residues into low-carbon diesel, sourcing feedstock directly from Australian farmers.
Renewable diesel is the closest replacement for conventional diesel. It allows farmers an easy and future-ready transition.
Beyond Diesel: Other Clean Energy Options
Even though biodiesel and renewable diesel are the most practical solutions, farmers are also looking for emerging clean technologies:
- Biogas from Manure and Crop Residues: Converts waste into usable fuel or electricity.
- Electric Tractors and Machinery: Becoming popular in orchards and vineyards, though limited in large-scale farming.
- Hydrogen-Powered Tractors: Innovative prototypes, such as New Holland’s NH2 tractors, have potential, but are not yet widely available.
Benefits for Farmers
Choosing clean energy diesel is more than sustainability. It is also about economic resilience and growth. Here’s how:
- Reduced Fuel Costs: Clean energy diesel offers more stable pricing compared to volatile fossil diesel markets.
- New Income Opportunities: Farmers can enjoy an alternate income source by supplying oilseed crops, tallow, or crop residues as feedstock for biofuel refineries.
- Regional Job Creation: Expanding biofuel industries brings investment and employment to rural communities.
- Future-Proof Farming: Farmers can stay ahead of evolving regulations and carbon pricing policies.
Conclusion
Switching to clean energy diesel options, be it through biodiesel blends or renewable diesel, allows Australian farmers a chance to reduce emissions, minimise costs, and strengthen energy independence. With emerging projects harnessing local feedstocks and growing support from major fuel suppliers, the future of farming will be cleaner, greener, and resilient.
We at KG2 Australia help the agricultural sector stay informed about innovations shaping the future of the country’s farming. Contact us today!
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