Cetim is part of a newly created French consortium, led by AGCO Beauvais Engineering, to develop the next generation of hydrogen storage tanks for future hydrogen-powered tractors.
AGCO Corporation (NYSE:AGCO), a global leader in the design, manufacture, and distribution of agricultural machinery and precision ag technology, announces that its Engineering department in France is leading a newly created French consortium called ARHYSTOTE. This consortium was launched to develop the next generation of smart hydrogen storage tanks specifically designed for future hydrogen combustion tractors.
“This project forms an integral part of AGCO’s commitment to develop off-road solutions to sustainably meet farmers’ needs including the development of a Massey Ferguson hydrogen demonstrator tractor by 2026,” says Frédéric Cavoleau, Vice President of Engineering at the AGCO’s Beauvais facility in France.
On-board storage is a critical component of hydrogen powered off-road machines. Hydrogen needs to be shrunk into a tight space through high pressure in order to store enough to meet duty cycle requirements. As such, this consortium of French based companies, AGCO, Cetim, IPC, IFTH, Raigi and OliKrom have joined forces to invest in hydrogen storage technology and develop novel, high pressure hydrogen storage tanks aimed for use in an agricultural tractor as well as for other off-road heavy applications.
The project will undertake eight steps including analysis, manufacture and initial testing of the tank design proving feasibility and a clear route to industrialisation and integration into a future Massey Ferguson hydrogen tractor, generating confidence that the machine will perform to the challenging standards required in service.
Project ARHYSTOTE has secured 4,4 million € funding (split between consortium members) by the French State as part of France 2030 operated by ADEME (the French agency for ecological transition).
“The zero emissions (at exhaust) demonstrator tractor will be based on the characteristics of the conventional Massey Ferguson mid horse-power tractor platform and will leverage Massey Ferguson’s Eco-design approach as well as the full potential of a highly capable AGCO Power engine” adds Frédéric Cavoleau, “This engine concept will bring significant development cost reductions for the overall tractor because it is built on a familiar design and architecture. Moreover, the cooling, transmission and hydraulic systems are similar to these used in diesel engines while seamlessly integrating the newly developed hydrogen tanks under the cab.”
A Project Contributing to Decarbonization Through Hydrogen Development
“At AGCO and Massey Ferguson, we are convinced that we must have a positive impact on our communities by reducing our operations’ as well as our farmers’ environmental footprint to secure a sustainable world for future generations.”says Thierry Lhotte, Vice-President & Managing Director Massey Ferguson Europe & Middle East. “Amongst other alternatives, expanding the use of hydrogen is a cornerstone of the needed energy transition. Hydrogen perfectly suits heavy-duty off-road vehicles requirements such as mid-horsepower tractors, keeping our global promise to offer Straightforward, Dependable and Accessible products and services to farmers feeding the world in a sustainable manner.”
Partners contributions to the project
AGCO is already developing hydrogen combustion engines through research and development work done at the engine production plant of AGCO Power in Nokia, Finland
Cetim will contribute its technical skills to the project, especially in relation to the material aspects to design and manufacture high pressure composite thermoplastic tanks.
RAIGI will contribute its expertise in the manufacture of hydrogen liners for the project. These parts are vital to ensure the hydrogen storage to ensure that hydrogen storage is both efficient and safe.
IFTH is in charge of the spinning of thermoplastic formulations integrating pigments, design and implementation of the functional thread (sensor, detector, etc.).
CT-IPC will contribute in developing innovative liner for the hydrogen a pioneering technical center dedicated to developing advanced liners using new thermoplastic compounds. Our mission extends to creating sustainable solutions for hydrogen tanks based on thermoplastic composites, utilizing recycled materials to ensure eco-friendly and high-performance composites.
OliKrom will contribute its skills in photochemistry, and its expertise in developing intelligent materials with calibrated properties. The aim is to develop Hydrogen and shock-sensitive pigments.
About AGCO
AGCO (NYSE: AGCO) is a global leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of agricultural machinery and precision ag technology. AGCO delivers value to farmers and OEM customers through its differentiated brand portfolio, including leading brands Fendt®, Massey Ferguson®, PTx and Valtra®. AGCO’s full line of equipment, smart farming solutions and services helps farmers sustainably feed our world. Founded in 1990 and headquartered in Duluth, Georgia, USA, AGCO had net sales of approximately $11.7 billion in 2024.
About IPC
IPC plays a major role in facilitating composites and plastics innovation in France. IPC aims at improving the industry’s competitiveness through R&D projects focusing on the three main sectors: circular economy, industry of future and high added value products. IPC strives to develop products with reduced environmental footprint and ensure the 3Rs of the circular economy. In coordination with composites and plastics industry federations and in partnership with competitiveness clusters, academia and researchers, IPC establishes a link between small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) right across France and the high-level innovation and transformation challenges at national and even European level.
About Institut Français du Textile et de l’Habillement (IFTH)
The IFTH is the Technical Institute for Textiles and Clothing (CTI) in France, established with a mission of general interest: the scientific and technical development of fashion and textile sectors, including technical aspects. It is the only technological center with a dual purpose: providing technical, technological, and specific solutions to companies’ challenges, and feed the textile ecosystem to promote growth, sustainable development, and the relocation of activities within the territory.
IFTH operates throughout the lifecycle and transformation of fashion and textile products, supporting French textile brands and industries through about ten research laboratories and technical platforms, with 145 employees leveraging multidisciplinary expertise and know-how in materials, textiles, chemistry, digital technologies, and more.
About Raigi
Founded in 1965 and historically linked to the Shell Chimie group, RAIGI is a family-run company that has established itself in several key areas:
- Formulation of epoxy and polyurethane systems: RAIGI develops systems based on raw materials derived from agrochemicals, including environmentally friendly bio-based polyols.
- Molding of polyurethane parts: The company manufactures technical parts for various industrial applications, such as cushions, soundproofing elements, furniture, dashboards, and steering wheels.
- Production of tanks: RAIGI is involved in the manufacturing of innovative tanks, including “Le Cube” for LPG and hydrogen tanks, reflecting its commitment to sustainable energy solutions.
These activities primarily serve the electrical and electronics, automotive, construction, and medical industries. With its own research and development laboratory, RAIGI is able to design tailored formulations for new processes and applications, meeting the specific needs of its customers.
About Olikrom -The industrial leader in color intelligence
OliKrom designs and produces customized smart coatings, such as inks or paints, capable of reacting to external disturbances: variations in temperature, light, pressure or the presence of a solvent/gas. The company’s added value lies in its ability to use color to convey information (overheating, danger, impact, leakage etc.). Today, OliKrom’s disruptive innovations are of interest to all industrial sectors. Every year, more than seventy large and medium-sized companies turn to OliKrom’s unique scientific expertise to create the products of tomorrow. OliKrom has demonstrated its ability to turn innovation into product.
OliKrom is structured around six strategic application areas: Industry, Construction, Mobility, Health & Cosmetics, Space Defense, Luxury.
