Methane power reaches Brazil

The energy transition is the next big thing in the power market, according to João Abreu, product marketing specialist at FPT Industrial Brazil.

João Abreu, FPT Industrial. (Photo: FPT Industrial)

“In Latin America, we understand that solutions will go through several technological advances, all while we are managing different projects related to the future energy strategy,” he stated.

One of the most recent launches from FPT in this area is the FPT N67 Natural Gas (NG). The engine now features on the T6.180 Methane Power tractor produced by New Holland.

“The biomethane propulsion technology delivers 152 hp, while offering several environmental advantages over the diesel equivalent, including an 80% reduction in emissions. By using biomethane, the carbon impact of the machine is virtually zero, while there’s a cost reduction of between 25 and 40% over conventional fuels. With all that, the tractor has the same performance of a similarly-sized diesel model,” said Abreu.

FPT Industrial has the largest range of natural gas (methane) power options in the market, with output options from 136 to 520 hp. “The fuel is less expensive, the engines are quieter and the service schedule is the same as a diesel version. Our methane engines are also compatible with LNG, CNG and biomethane,” he added.

Production Ramp Up

New Holland T6 Methane Power Tractor. (Photo: New Holland)

For 2025, FPT Industrial is forecasting an increase in powertrain production in South America. “We want to make the most of the recovery across the industry, especially in combines,” said Abreu. FPT Industrial, which is part of Iveco Group, is reported to be the third-largest engine manufacturer in the world. In Latin America alone there are more than 700,000 FPT Industrial engines in circulation, of which 180,000 are operating across the agricultural sector.

Key features of the engines include common rail fuel injection, stoichiometric combustion technology (methane and biomethane engines), and the HI-eSCR (High Efficiency Selective Catalytic Reduction) aftertreatment system.

The company’s methane engines are an integral part of plans for sustainable fueling of farms and rural industries. Where possible, the site collects biogas from animal waste or biomass, which is then refined into biomethane for use in a methane-fuel tractor.

Once up and running the virtuous circle is both cost- and environmentally-friendly. As an added bonus, the business is insulated from any cost increases in the fossil fuel market.

Internal Part Supply

Lucas Zanetti, Massey Ferguson. (Photo: Massey Ferguson)

As part of the AGCO Group, Massey Ferguson has access to engines developed in-house. According to Lucas Zanetti, product marketing manager at MF, the engines feature in tractors, sprayers and combines. Complete powertrains feature engines, rear axles and final reduction gears produced internally.

The goal of internal production is to streamline operations. “We can adapt and adjust each component to the assembly line and final product, while also managing the logistics as required,” said Zanetti. Internal part production also helps to reduce the final cost to the customer.

In Brazil, MF powertrain parts are produced in Rio Grande do Sul and São Paulo state. “Depending on the model, we have [part] production in many places, including France,” detailed Zanetti.

Editor’s Note: this story first appeared in the October - December 2024 issue of Power Progress International.