Case IH, a prominent brand under CNH Industrial, is making significant strides to revolutionize the agricultural machinery market by introducing ethanol-powered equipment. The company aims to decarbonize farming operations, with a focus on sustainable energy solutions tailored for Brazil’s agricultural landscape.
Christian Gonzalez, Vice President of Case IH for Latin America, explained that the company has been investing in alternative fuels for years. “Ethanol stands out as the optimal solution, especially for Brazil, for several reasons. It is a locally produced fuel widely used by our customers, and it requires no additional investments in infrastructure or logistics from producers.”
The initial phase of this innovative project was revealed at Agrishow 2024, where Case IH showcased a prototype of an ethanol-powered engine designed specifically for sugarcane harvesters.
Ethanol, a renewable fuel, presents multiple benefits for the agricultural sector, including reducing carbon emissions and supporting sustainability goals. It aligns with environmental regulations, such as Brazil’s decarbonization credit market (CBIOS), and contributes to long-term environmental goals. Research shows that ethanol can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 90% compared to fossil fuels when considering the full life cycle of the fuel.
In addition to its environmental advantages, ethanol promises to lower operational costs, especially in transportation and logistics, while providing greater price stability compared to petroleum-based fuels.
Case IH remains confident that ethanol represents the future of agricultural machinery. The company envisions a comprehensive portfolio of ethanol-powered machines, beginning with the sugarcane harvester, as the cornerstone of its ongoing commitment to sustainability in the agricultural sector.