How Biopower is Gaining Traction on the Farm

Biogas-powered equipment is beginning to move from demonstration projects into everyday farm use, with farmers in Europe testing new technology that could help reshape how agriculture approaches energy.

One example is Christophe Rousseau, a farmer and entrepreneur in Burgundy, France. Rousseau, an early adopter of biomethane, tested New Holland’s prototype T7 Methane Power tractor during silage season. The machine ran for eight hours straight without refueling — a key requirement for heavy-duty operations. The production version will include 30% more fuel capacity, expanding its range for long workdays.

Scaling Up From Mid-Sized Machines

The T7 Methane Power follows the 2022 release of New Holland’s smaller T6.180 Methane Power, a mid-sized tractor with a 175-horsepower engine. Engineers in the United Kingdom (UK) designed the T7 with significantly larger on-board gas storage — about 657 liters (173 gallons). That gives it comparable power to its diesel counterpart, the T7.270, but with extended autonomy between refueling stops.

First introduced publicly at Agritechnica in Germany, the T7 highlights how alternative-fuel machines are gaining visibility in mainstream farm equipment.

Infrastructure Remains the Challenge

While the technology is advancing, adoption depends on fueling infrastructure. To address this, CNH Industrial has invested in renewable energy start-up Bennamann in the UK, which is developing small-scale on-farm refueling stations. These systems allow farmers to produce and store biogas from manure, creating a circular energy loop that reduces waste while supplying fuel.

In France, farmers like Rousseau are working with industry partners to integrate methane-powered equipment into daily operations. His 2,470-acre mixed livestock and cereal farm includes solar panels and a biogas plant that generates electricity from cattle manure. His experience as part of the Association des Agriculteurs Méthaniseurs de France positions him as a key voice in expanding biogas adoption.

A growing role for biopower

Farm-based biogas systems provide multiple benefits: reducing greenhouse gas emissions, creating on-site energy independence, and opening new revenue opportunities for producers. With major manufacturers now scaling methane-powered tractors and innovators developing fueling solutions, biopower is gaining traction as part of a more sustainable farm energy mix.