Massey Ferguson backs hydrogen to drive agricultural decarbonisation

Massey Ferguson is putting hydrogen at the centre of its clean energy strategy, backing the gas as a key fuel for the future of farming.

The company is leading a new French consortium, ARHYSTOTE, to develop smart hydrogen storage tanks tailored for hydrogen combustion tractors – a vital step in scaling off-road, heavy-duty hydrogen vehicles.

On-board hydrogen storage presents unique engineering challenges, from compression to containment. ARHYSTOTE aims to tackle these head-on, progressing through eight phases of design, manufacturing, and testing to create a pathway to commercial adoption.

Funded with €4.4 million through France’s 2030 innovation programme (with support from wider EU hydrogen schemes), the project is a collaboration between AGCO, Cetim, Raigi, IFTH, CT-IPC and OliKrom – each bringing expertise in hydrogen tank design, recycled thermoplastics and advanced materials.

“Expanding the use of hydrogen is a cornerstone of the needed energy transition,” said Thierry Lhotte, VP and MD of Massey Ferguson Europe & Middle East. He highlighted hydrogen’s unique suitability for mid-horsepower tractors and the need for dependable, accessible tech that supports sustainable farming.

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