Work

Scenario based comparison of alternative fuel production systems for a virtual average German farm

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: The German agricultural sector consumes approx. 2 billion litres of diesel annually. While sustainable fuels remain underutilised, shifting from diesel to low-emission options is crucial for achieving a climate-neutral agricultural sector as mandated by the German Federal Climate Change Act. This study therefore examines three on-farm renewable fuel production pathways - biogas from manure and rapeseed oil, as well as hydrogen - on an average German farm. The results show that hydrogen offers the most land-efficient solution, requiring less than 1% land use of the other alternatives, whereas rapeseed oil proves the most cost-effective option, with periodical costs 26 % lower than for biomethane and 18 % lower than for hydrogen, respectively.

Source: Energy

DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2026.140239

Authors: Lea von Rüden, Barbara Satola, Michael Kröner, Martin Vehse, Alexander Dyck, Carsten Agert

Institution: Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt e. V. (DLR)

Language: English

Topic: Energy, Environment, Agriculture Analysis

Subfield: Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment

Field: Energy

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Climate action, Affordable and clean energy, Zero hunger, Responsible consumption and production

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,260