Decarbonisation of mobile agricultural machinery in Scotland – an evidence review

Abstract

Agricultural machinery is estimated to contribute around 5-10% of Scottish Agriculture’s greenhouse gas emissions. Agricultural land in Scotland covers 5.6 million hectares and the agriculture sector represented 19% of Scotland’s emissions in 2020. The Scottish Government’s Climate Change Plan update requires a 31% reduction in agricultural emissions by 2032, from 2018 levels, a pace nearly four times faster than has been achieved up to now. The decarbonisation of machinery could play a key role in Scotland’s transition to net zero by 2045. However, there is a lack of reliable information on emissions from mobile agricultural machinery and the options, costs and pathways to decarbonisation. The use of mobile agricultural machinery varies considerably across Scotland, reflecting patterns of agricultural production. In this study we assess the suitability of selected low emission technologies to power mobile machinery.