Industry leaders gathered at ABX’26 debated the future of the energy mix in the field, highlighting solutions such as biomethane, electrification, and renewable fuels to replace diesel and increase sustainability in agribusiness.
Agribusiness is going through a decisive moment of transformation driven by the pursuit of energy efficiency, emissions reduction, and sustainability. This scenario was at the heart of the panel “Has diesel lost its reign? The energy future of agro,” held during the ABX26 – Automotive Business Experience, at Pavilion 4 of the São Paulo Expo, in the state capital.
The meeting brought together key experts to discuss the direction of the energy mix in the field. Promising solutions such as biomethane, electrification, renewable fuels, and hydrogen were highlighted as viable alternatives for the gradual replacement of diesel in agricultural operations.
The major challenge pointed out by participants is to align this technological innovation with the high productivity and competitiveness required by rural work, ensuring that the transition is economically profitable for producers.
Innovation and efficiency in agricultural machinery
Present at one of the tracks dedicated to the sector, AGCO, a multinational leader in the development of agricultural machinery technologies, reinforced its commitment to a sustainable energy transition. Fabricio Natal, AGCO’s Global Vice President of Engineering and a leader in product development for various global markets, emphasized the relevance of engineering in building these new solutions for the global agricultural market.
Fabricio Natal stated:
The energy transition in agribusiness is not just about the type of fuel in the tank, but about the intelligence added to the entire operation. AGCO’s global engineering focuses on developing high-performance solutions that help rural producers reduce operating costs, optimize resources, and meet rigorous environmental requirements without sacrificing the performance that the field demands.
Diversification of solutions for agribusiness
In addition to Fabricio Natal, the debate featured other prominent executives from the mobility and off-road equipment chain, such as Christian Wahnfried (Director of Off-Highway Vehicles and Generators at AEA), Mauricio Biadola (Director of Off-Highway Sales at Cummins), and Thomas Püschel (Vice President of Tupy – MWM).
The leaders agreed that the future of clean energy in the field will not be defined by a single technology, but by a strategic combination of alternatives adapted to each regional reality.
One of the experts stated:
The energy transition in agribusiness requires understanding regional particularities and different production profiles. That is why we offer options ranging from increasing diesel efficiency and using renewable fuels to solutions like biomethane and electrification, always prioritizing maximum profitability and productivity for the rural producer.
The impact of ABX26 on sustainable mobility
The event promoted by Automotive Business has established itself as a fundamental space for debating trends, technology, and new paths for sustainability. Bringing together more than 200 professionals from purchasing, engineering, and quality departments, ABX26 fostered strategic connections to accelerate the adoption of renewable energy technologies on rural properties.
The search for clean alternatives in the productive sector is advancing at a rapid pace, pointing toward a future where agribusiness productivity goes hand in hand with environmental preservation and energy innovation.
