A Model for Circular Economy, Bioenergy and Animal Welfare

Cascina Fabbrica by AB: A Virtuous Model for Circular Economy, Bioenergy, and Animal Welfare

By Gruppo AB

AB, a leader in sustainable energy, from cogeneration to biofuels, has built its international reputation on excellence in solutions and services. Yet, its core research and field application remain locally focused. AB AMBIENTE, the agricultural company part of the group, serves as a testing ground for circular economy solutions, housing pilot plants for biogas and biomethane production.

AB Ambiente also includes Cascina Fabbrica, a farm with 700 cows (400 in lactation) and 200 hectares of cultivated land. Key focuses are bioenergy, animal welfare, and advanced digestate management, making it a model of circular economy and a step toward carbon-negative milk production.

Established near AB’s industrial hub to honour the agricultural roots of founder Angelo Baronchelli, Cascina Fabbrica prioritizes animal welfare using advanced technologies. Milking robots allow cows to be milked on demand while dedicated software monitors their health. New structures ensure proper air circulation and hygiene through automated cleaning systems that reduce ammonia emissions.

The farm also employs water-saving irrigation technologies, including drip systems. Animal waste is also processed in the biogas plant. After anaerobic digestion, the solid fraction of the digestate is used for cow bedding and then reintroduced into the energy production cycle.

The ECOMAX® 3 BIO cogenerator produces 300 kW of electricity for the grid, while heat is used for farm operations. High-quality digestate is distributed to the farm’s fields through an underground pipe network, preventing atmospheric emissions. The farm also features a 750 kWp photovoltaic system with 600 kWh of lithium battery storage, allowing storage of daytime energy for nighttime use.

Cascina Fabbrica is a concrete example of efficient, sustainable agricultural management, combining economic and environmental benefits.

To learn more, visit the website at https://www.gruppoab.com.

For more information, read our Biogas Italian Magazine.