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MAN Engines is joining forces with agricultural machinery manufacturer CLAAS and research institute WTZ Rosslau to investigate whether ammonia can power heavy agricultural machinery while meeting demanding performance requirements.
The collaboration, known as GAMCO (Green Ammonia Multifuel Combine), will assess ammonia-based drive concepts for machines that require high power, extended operating hours and operational flexibility.
Funded under Germany’s 8th Energy Research Programme, the project will run until October 2029. MAN Engines brings its engine development and simulation expertise, CLAAS contributes agricultural machinery knowledge, and WTZ Rosslau provides specialist experience in testing and developing drive technologies.
The research will examine the technical feasibility of ammonia as an energy carrier and the challenges of using it under practical operating conditions. The partners aim to move beyond laboratory testing to understand its suitability for demanding off-road applications.
Why It Matters:
Heavy agricultural machinery presents a distinct decarbonisation challenge. Investigating alternative energy carriers such as ammonia could broaden future powertrain options, but real-world performance and practical limitations must be established before commercial applications can be assessed.
