In the search for low-emission transport solutions, the SK-Bioride projects did not neglect the agricultural sector. Since March 2021, we have been testing the use of B20 fuel (diesel with up to 20% biodiesel content) in agricultural machinery, namely in two tractors operated by the company EG STS in Orechová Potôň. The testing compared the long-term effects of using B20 fuel on the performance and operation of agricultural machinery, as well as on the environment, compared to conventionally used B7 diesel. The desired result of the testing phase, which continued throughout 2022, was to introduce this fuel as a standard for agricultural machinery once sufficient data is obtained.

As part of the project, four serially produced John Deere tractors were monitored during regular operations. Two tractors ran on B7 fuel, and two on B20 fuel. The project also included the operation of a pair of combined harvesters fuelled by B10 and B7. During the course of the project, no significant neither technical differences, nor differences in user experience, were recorded in the use of the vehicles. After analysing the data from the testing phase, it was evaluated whether B20 fuel could be effectively introduced into agricultural practice and used in machinery as a sustainable form of fuel. Were that the case, B7 fuel could be replaced by B20 without negative impacts and with higher emission savings. One other ambition of the project was to increase the consumption of domestically produced fuel in times of geopolitical uncertainty.

B20 fuel is a precisely defined combination of pure fossil diesel (B0) and 100% biodiesel, also known as FAME (vegetable oil methyl ester or Fatty Acid Methyl Esther), produced from various types of vegetable oils. The oils, or their mixture, from which the final biodiesel is produced, is determined by feedstock availability and used production technology. In addition, used cooking oils and fats, sunflower oil, or corn oil can also be used in production.

In Slovakia, biodiesel is produced by Meroco in Leopoldov in accordance with the technical standard STN EN 14214 and utilizing a significantly less energy intense process compared to the production of diesel fuel from fossil oil. Most of the feedstocks used in biodiesel production are of Slovak origin, therefore there is no need for their import. As part of the waste-free production process of biodiesel, rapeseed meal, which serves as a high-value feed for farm animals, is also produced, contributing to Slovakia’s food self-sufficiency. The certification of biodiesel production is carried out by a renowned auditing company according to the globally recognized ISCC certification scheme, with certification carried out in accordance with strict environmental impact assessments.

The B20 fuel itself was blended by Petroltrans in Kežmarok and was distributed in the required volume to Orechová Potôň. The storage tank did not differ from standard diesel tanks. B20 fuel is more ecological than standard diesel (B7) as it contributes to reducing the amount of CO₂ emissions in the air by 7 g/MJ compared to B7 diesel, which represents a 9.3% saving in CO₂ emissions per Liter of B20.

In operational deployment, B20 fuel proved to be as functional as B7 fuel.

Analyses from 2021 show that storage in a standard diesel tank does not negatively affect the quality of B20 fuel. This fact was confirmed by an accredited laboratory based on compliance with technical standards. Agricultural tractors running on B20 did not require non-standard service repairs. This project demonstrated that behaviour of B20 fuel in the operation of agricultural tractors and combined harvesters remained according to expectations.