Straw is often overlooked as a mere byproduct of crops grown for higher-value products, but its potential extends far beyond animal feed. It can actually be used to create clean, renewable energy. This innovative approach is showcased in Briviesca, a small town in northern Spain’s Burgos province, known for its deep agricultural roots.

In 2010, Acciona Energía, a global leader in sustainable energy, launched a biomass plant in Briviesca that produces up to 16 MW of electricity—enough to power approximately 40,000 homes. As part of its commitment to climate action, Acciona not only focuses on renewable energy but also supports rural development in areas suffering from depopulation, often referred to as "emptied Spain."

In the heart of this rural area, Joan Torra, an agricultural services provider from Catalonia, works alongside Acciona to manage straw for the biomass plant. Each summer, Joan and his team clear fields of straw surrounding Briviesca, an area often called the “mecca of the straw world.”

Joan relies on Arcusin trailers for this task, using four AutoStack FSX bale loaders and stackers to maximize field efficiency. A loyal Arcusin customer for over 30 years, Joan emphasizes that reliable equipment is essential, especially as harvest seasons get shorter and more demanding. "Having the AutoStack bale loader and stacker is essential. It lets us work at incredible speeds without losing time," he says.

In Joan’s operation, the AutoStacks work seamlessly with the balers that collect the straw into bundles, which are then immediately gathered to protect them from rain. "The AutoStack gives us unbeatable efficiency. There's no better solution for this work than Arcusin. Without the trailer, it wouldn't be possible. It’s a game changer—it lets us do ten times more with just one person," he explains.

Joan and his team also stack the bales in accessible locations for trucks, ensuring a year-round supply of straw for the biomass plant, keeping its burner running constantly. "Unlike wind turbines, this plant generates power every single day of the year at a consistent level. It's incredibly eco-friendly, too, because all the ash is filtered," he proudly shares. "I'm basically the starting point of this entire process," he concludes with satisfaction.