Discover the story of farmer Joan Torra, who uses his loaders and stackers to generate electricity
Straw is often underestimated as a mere byproduct of a harvest focused on high-value market products. However, it has surprising applications beyond animal feed, reconnecting us with nature and the environment. Did you know, for example, that straw can generate clean, 100% renewable energy? In Briviesca, a small town in the province of Burgos in northern Spain—an area known for its rich agricultural tradition—there’s a prime example of this ecological marvel.
Since 2010, Acciona Energía, a global leader in sustainable solutions, has operated a biomass plant in Briviesca, capable of generating up to 16 MW of electricity, enough to supply around 40,000 households. With a strong commitment to combating climate change, Acciona also promotes rural development, supporting activities that help stabilise populations in what has come to be known as “emptied Spain”—regions experiencing significant depopulation due to urban migration.
It is in the heart of this sparsely populated Spain that Joan Torra, an agricultural services provider from Catalonia, collaborates with Acciona to manage straw for the biomass plant. Every summer, Joan and his team clear fields of straw in the Briviesca area, which some consider the “mecca of the straw world.”
To accomplish this task, Joan relies on Arcusin trailers, using four AutoStack FSX bale loaders and stackers that allow him to optimise field time to the maximum. A loyal Arcusin customer for over 30 years, Joan highlights that, with harvest seasons becoming shorter and more demanding, the reliability of the equipment is essential to avoid any setbacks. “Relying on a bale loader and stacker like the AutoStack is key. It allows us exceptional performance without wasting a single minute,” he says.
In his operation, the four AutoStacks work almost in parallel with the balers, which gather the straw into bundles that are immediately collected, preventing them from being exposed to rain. “With the AutoStack, we achieve outstanding performance. There’s no other solution for this work than an Arcusin. Without the trailer, it would be unfeasible, impossible. It’s a different way of working. It’s about achieving ten times more with just one person,” he assures.
Additionally, Joan and his team stack the bales in places accessible to trucks, enabling a year-round supply for the biomass plant and keeping the burner constantly operational. “Unlike wind turbines, this plant produces electricity 365 days a year and always at the same power level. And it’s ultra-ecological, because all the ash generated is filtered,” he proudly comments. “I’m almost the start of this chain,” he concludes with satisfaction.
An indispensable machine… and something more
Joan Torra couldn’t be happier with his AutoStack FSX. If you want to hear about his experience with Arcusin, don’t hesitate to watch his testimonial video.
