Agricultural production relies on a variety energy sources including diesel, electricity and gas, with the dominant energy source being diesel. Diesel usage generates many millions of tonnes of greenhouse gases every year. If we are to achieve significant reductions in human related emissions, agriculture can play a part by adopting alternatives to diesel.
Beyond Diesel webinar series
Over 80% of energy consumption in agriculture comes from diesel. Our reliance on diesel and Australia’s limited production of it, along with the environmental impacts, led NSW Department of Primary Industries to produce a series of online forums exploring alternatives and transitions for agricultural production systems that are possible beyond diesel reliance. The webinars were recorded and have been broken up into individual speaker sessions for viewing convenience. They provide interesting insights into some of the challenges and possibilities in agriculture’s energy future.
Exploring Beyond Diesel – Webinar 1 (July 2020)
Exploring current and emerging technologies that may shape the future was the focus for the first series.
Individual session recordings and downloadable presentations are available on the NSW DPI website.
Exploring Beyond Diesel – Webinar 2 (September 2020)
Series 2 looked at the New Holland T6 tractor and its development along with businesses in Australia that are developing methane for industrial uses, one of which may be replacement of diesel. Where methane gas may fit into the future power mix was explored.
Watch Exploring Beyond Diesel – Series 2
Individual session recordings and downloadable presentations are available on the NSW DPI website.
Exploring Beyond Diesel – Webinar 3 (November 2020)
The third online forum explored low or zero carbon fuel options. Speakers looked at hydrogen options and biofuels such as biofuel produced by the Seed2 diesel group who aim to grow crops to produce diesel to power machinery. This will create income for producers and help ensure a local supply of fuel.
Watch Exploring Beyond Diesel – Series 3
Individual session recordings and downloadable presentations are available on the NSW DPI website.
Exploring Beyond Diesel – Webinar 4 (August 2021)
In the fourth Exploring Beyond Diesel online forum, Nathan Gore-Brown from MOV3MENT Consultants discussed the findings of a report for NSW DPI titled Diesel Use in NSW Agriculture & Opportunities to Support Net Zero Emissions. The report explores diesel reliance and transition options.
Watch Exploring Beyond Diesel – Series 4
Individual session recordings and downloadable presentations are available on the NSW DPI website.
Exploring Beyond Diesel – Webinar 5 (April 2022)
The fifth instalment of the Exploring Beyond Diesel webinar series featured Allen Schaeffer presenting on improvements in engines and the ongoing need for diesel power. Also presenting was Mal Campbell from Renuleum about low/no carbon renewable diesel from biomass.
Watch Exploring Beyond Diesel – Series 5
Session recording and a downloadable presentation are available on the NSW DPI website.
Exploring Beyond (fossil) Diesel – Webinar 6 (September 2022)
Exploring Beyond (fossil) Diesel #6 webinar in this series was held on 15 September 2022. Chair of the Cleaner Fuel Alliance, Simon Roycroft, discussed the potential for renewable diesel use both globally and here in Australia. Simon has just received the first shipment of renewable diesel (HVO100) into Australia, which is exciting news in the scheme of fuel, and he is passionate about its potential.
Watch a recording of the online webinar presentation here.
There are a lot of interesting possibilities in energy efficiency awareness and technologies that can save dollars or increase productivity.
Stay tuned for further forums!
Acknowledgements
The Exploring Beyond Diesel webinar series is an initiative of the NSW DPI Energy Efficiency Solutions project, which aims to improve energy optimisation in NSW primary industries.
