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

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

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.

Suggested Citation

  • von Rüden, Lea & Satola, Barbara & Kröner, Michael & Vehse, Martin & Dyck, Alexander & Agert, Carsten, 2026. "Scenario based comparison of alternative fuel production systems for a virtual average German farm," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 346(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:energy:v:346:y:2026:i:c:s0360544226003415
    DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2026.140239
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    References listed on IDEAS

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