electrification WA STONEFRUIT

The electrification of

Recently, government leaders of Australia’s two major political parties have invested a great deal of time and effort and time in promoting the Kyoto Agreement protocols. However, the progress to develop and promote electrification of horticulture equipment by machinery manufacturers has been slow to keep pace.

Words Ross Anile, Value Chain Facilitator, WA Stonefruit

Generally speaking, tractor manufacturers’ research and development projects are still focusing on current diesel fuel conventional technologies.

The timeline for delivery of useable technology in the electrification of general to heavy farm-based agricultural equipment is still 5 to 10 years away.

European nations are leading the way with developments in future electrification of farm machinery, with governments setting carbon emission targets and discussing the phasing out of diesel-powered equipment over the next 30 years, technology permitting.

It is clear that the transition by the agricultural industry to electrification of farm equipment will not be achievable without the willingness of governments to offer tangible assistance to the sector.

The benefit to the planet and population on reduced carbon emissions is without question, therefore why should farmers be made to bear the financial burden?

The health of our planet is a shared responsibility of all governments and peoples.

Some of the other issues facing farmers who wish to introduce electric-powered tractors are:

1. insufficient re-charging infrastructure in rural Australia.

2. charging downtime for the farmer

3. inadequate energy density of the battery

4. size of batteries on equipment, adds to weight issues and capacity to tow machinery.

The agricultural sector is constantly challenged by climate and sustainability issues, and in principle wants to reduce its environmental impact.

Change needs to be stimulated by the manufacturers of farm equipment, under the guidance of governments to achieve a positive outcome for all parties in the agricultural industry.