Papers Today

// MEPs consider tractors powered by hydrogen at eco–farming showcase

Tractors powered by hydrogen extracted from water are being considered by MEPs in Brussels.

Ireland East MEP Mairead McGuinness was among the panel of EU delegates given an in–depth look at the new NH2 tractor from New Holland Agriculture. 

The viewing was part of an eco–farming event at the European Parliament, entitled “Innovation and Technologies for a Sustainable Agriculture,” aimed at developing an energy–independent farm. 

Others to view the NH2 tractor were PP Group chairman Joseph Daul, Franco Fusignani, CEO and president of New Holland Agriculture, Paolo de Castro MEP and Matthias Grote MEP. 

The New Holland group, led by Mr Fusignani, was invited to explain the new concept tractor by Mr de Castro, chair of the Agriculture and Rural Development committee.

The meeting focused on New Holland’s strategy of developing dedicated machinery and systems to increase sustainable agriculture and cut farmers’ dependence on fossil fuels.

Mr Fusignani described the five pillars of New Holland’s strategy, which are bio diesel, biomass, Tier 4A ECO Blue, SCR engine technology and NH2 hydrogen tractors.

New Holland’s NH2 is a zero–emissions hydrogen fuel cell vehicle made specifically for farm work.

Located at the La Bellotta energy independent farm in Italy, New Holland claims this is more than just a green farming gimmick.

The NH2 is one of the first alternative fuel farm tractors of its kind and it reportedly doubles the power and torque of a traditional tractor of the same size despite having zero emissions, claims New Holland.

The NH2 was developed as part of the Energy Independent Farm concept, a framework for future agriculture in which farmers produce their own compressed hydrogen from water, using electricity produced by wind farms, solar panels, or biomass and biogas processes situated on the farm.
By Joe Dermody
Saturday, April 14, 2012

Read more: http://www.irishexaminer.com/business/features/meps-consider-tractors-powered-by-hydrogen-at-eco-farming-showcase-190505.html#ixzz1s03THPPA