The global challenge of the energy transition not only demands a widely shared solution on a large scale but also actions in specialist sectors that can deliver concrete results and attract the interest of a broader public. Both these factors can be achieved by projects involving partners with a long-standing commitment to environmental accountability.
Implementing the guideline FPT Industrial the global powertrain brand of CNH Industrial N.V. and Fontanafredda, the historic winery founded by Vittorio Emanuele II, the first King of Italy, in 1858 has joined forces. Fontanafredda produces Barolo and other wines from the Langhe region, which currently has 120 hectares of certified organic vineyards and promotes a new ‘Green Renaissance’ in the form of best-practice grape cultivation, with no environmental impact.
The heart of the partnership is the supply of two New Holland TK Methane Power crawler vineyard tractors with biomethane-fueled FPT Industrial F28 Natural Gas engines, which will work in the Vigna La Rosa cru that produces the grapes for the legendary Barolo of the same name.
The FPT Industrial F28 engine is designed to be compact, productive and environment-friendly. It ticks all the boxes in terms of power, performance and low environmental impact for specialized applications. The F28 can operate on diesel or natural gas and is hybrid-ready.
The biomethane model designed for Fontanafredda was developed based on a New Holland Agriculture crawler vineyard tractor. It can provide a power output of 75 hp with a peak torque of 330 Nm. This is all with a zero-carbon footprint, as the biomethane that powers the engine is not a fossil fuel but, is produced by the anaerobic digestion of agricultural waste.
Annalisa Stupenengo, CEO, FPT Industrial, said: “After being the ‘heart’ of the vehicles named Sustainable Tractor of the Year and Sustainable Truck of the Year, getting to grips with the needs of the prestigious, delicate, sustainable top-quality wine-growing sector is a very exciting challenge for us. The partnership with Fontanafredda will enable us to again demonstrate our full support for the European Union as it guides the green transition. Our biomethane engines are as efficient and high-performing as diesel, and this renewable, sustainable fuel is the real, immediately available alternative for eliminating emissions from agricultural vehicles.”
Andrea Farinetti, a Fontanafredda grower, said: “We have the great good fortune to live in a unique part of the world, and we have to care for our wonderful land. We need a new Renaissance; otherwise, a tomorrow that is like today is unthinkable. We have to change and renew ourselves. For us, this renewal means making our land central to everything we do; this must be our overriding aim and must lead to the creation of a great worldwide community, based on trust in others. This community will have many tools at its disposal for safeguarding our planet: ours will be wine, “green” wine. Our partnership with FPT Industrial proves that together we can do more, and do it better.”
