Italian multinational Gruppo AB and Turboden S.p.A. have signed a strategic commercial partnership agreement aimed at developing and promoting innovative energy efficiency solutions with a focus on the Italian market.

The agreement combines the expertise of the AB Group, which specialises in the design, manufacture, and sale of energy efficiency solutions, from cogeneration to biogas and biomethane, with Turboden’s expertise in the application of MVR (Mechanical Vapour Recompression) systems for thermal efficiency.

The deal covers the supply of AB cogeneration plants integrated with Turboden MVR systems to new customers, as well as the implementation of energy efficiency upgrades on existing industrial plants.

The developed solution enables further valorisation of the heat generated by cogeneration engines, whether in the form of exhaust gases or cooling water (jacket water), by converting it into steam that can be used in industrial processes. The integration with MVR systems means steam production can exceed 5 tons per hour per single cogeneration unit, depending on the plant configuration. In addition, the ability to increase the quantity of steam produced and improve its operating conditions enables pressures above 10 bar, meeting higher thermal demands than those covered by traditional cogeneration systems alone.

This approach not only increases overall energy efficiency, but enhances the availability of steam for industrial processes, a factor that is often critical in energy-intensive sectors.

Key benefits include a significant reduction in CO₂ emissions, increased energy efficiency through heat recovery, lower operating costs, and better alignment with sustainability targets and decarbonisation regulations. In particular, given that the steam generated via MVR replaces that produced by gas-fired boilers, over 5,000 tonnes of CO₂ per year can be avoided per plant, depending on operating conditions.

Commented Enrico Calzavacca, Deputy General Manager and Chief Technology Innovation Officer at AB, “This collaboration with Turboden represents a further step in the evolution of our solutions, integrating complementary technologies to improve the energy efficiency of industrial cogeneration plants and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”