March 4, 2023. The first CLAAS Celtis 436 series tractor retrofitted to run on biogas was presented in Verrières-en-Forez. The vehicle was adapted by the company CRMT (Center for Research in Thermal Machines) based in Dardilly, near Lyon.
This experiment, unprecedented in France, had the help of GRDF (Gaz Réseau Distribution France). The testing phase continues with a follow-up under real operating conditions for 15 days at the GAEC du Pré-Vert farm, which already has a New Holland T6 CNG tractor in its fleet.
This concept of retrofitting agricultural tractors was carried out by the CRMT between 2021 and 2022 as part of the RES4LIVE (Renewable Energy Sources for LIVEstock) project through the Horizon 2020 innovation program. Currently, the tractor is being tested at the biogas Robert Forez Energie plant to put it in real growing conditions.
Vehicles powered by Bio-NGV have several advantages, such as improving environmental performance, extending their useful life and respecting air quality. GRDF adds that “compared to a diesel unit of the same generation, the use of biogas will emit 80% less CO2 emissions”.
Last year, Robert Forez Energie also purchased a Bio-NGV filling station. This allows the farmer to refuel his car thanks to his cows. The facility is open to the public.
