Technological innovation in Iren Group is central to the strategic choices and the definition of the products and services offered. The Business Plan to 2025 confirms the centrality of innovation that will be expressed in the development of all sectors in which the Group operates, intending to make the Group an example of excellence in the multi-utility sector. In particular, the Plan outlines a strong development according to a “multicircle” approach, where innovation activities are aimed at researching and adopting technologies and processes to support the sustainable development of the reference businesses.
The main research, development and innovation areas in which Iren Group is investing include:
- energy efficiency, applied across multiple levels and assets;
- study of new systems for the recovery of energy losses and an increase in the efficiency of the plants;
- solutions for the production of renewable hydrogen and syngas combined with carbon dioxide capturing;
- thermal energy and electricity storage systems;
- study of business models and analysis of platforms for the implementation of Energy Communities;
- processes for maximising energy and waste material recovery;
- systems for reducing quantity and the recovery of material and/or energy from purification sludge;
- automation and robotics in waste treatment plants;
- Internet of Things (“IoT”), home automation and data intelligence ICT tools;
- optimised management of the integrated water cycle (districtualisation, identification and reduction of network leaks) and instruments in support of sensors in the field;
- detection and removal of pathogens in water samples;
- innovative solutions connected with electric mobility;
- “smart safety” systems for assisting personnel or reporting situations of potential risk;
- “industry 4.0” solutions in support of the personnel involved in plant operation and maintenance activities, for predictive maintenance and monitoring in the field.
Iren Group manages innovation processes through an open innovation model and, consistently, has launched profitable collaborations with universities, research centres, innovation hubs and start-ups. Furthermore, it actively participates in working groups and associations on specific research and development topics and promotes events such as conferences, workshops and hackathons.
2020 was characterised by the continuation of technical activities related to the Group’s various co-financed projects and by the development, also in partnership with innovative companies and start-ups, of internal technological projects on the basis of planning which, starting from an analysis of the long-term scenario, is aimed at giving the Group the tools needed to seize the opportunities and mitigate the risks deriving from the evolution of the markets in which it operates.
Iren Up: over 20 million Euro in three years to support Italian start-ups in the cleantech sector.
The activities of Iren Up, the Corporate Venture Capital programme launched in 2018, continued, with the aim of supporting high-potential Italian start-ups in the cleantech sector, from green technologies to the circular economy, through the provision of a unique service package that may include trials, technical support, legal consultancy, market tests and commercial and/or business agreements. The programme envisages investments of over 20 million Euro for the first three years, with investment tickets ranging from 100,000 Euro to 2 million Euro, depending on the start-up’s development phase and requirements. In 2020, Iren Up carried out operations in 2 start-ups in the areas of applied robotics in the waste sector and circular economy.
Due to the Covid-19 emergency in 2020, the usual Iren Startup Award event dedicated to the search for start-ups did not take place, but the scouting activity continued through collaboration with international accelerators. The management of equity investments in start-ups in which the Group has invested continued, concluding several supplementary agreements and the disbursement of tranches upon achieving the milestones conceived in these agreements.
Among the initiatives in which Iren has participated, bringing its contribution in terms of process innovation and applied research, there is the adhesion to the Competence Centres (promoted by the Ministries of Economic Development and Economy) established in Turin (“Competence Industry Manufacturing 4.0 – CIM 4.0”) and Genoa (“Competence Centre for the Security and Optimisation of Critical Infrastructures” Association – “START 4.0”).
Research and innovation projects
In 2020, Iren actively took part in 20 research and innovation projects for a total multi-year commitment of around 8.8 million Euro, of which half was financed by research and innovation tenders managed by institutions such as the European Union, the Italian State and its bodies and regions (for example, Horizon 2020, MIUR, MATTM, POR FESR, etc.). Over the year, these projects involved investments of around 1,200,000 Euro, of which approximately 730,000 Euro was funded through tenders. These projects actively involve around 90 Group employees from different business areas, and guarantee collaborations with numerous businesses and academic institutions located in almost 200 European cities.
Pump-Heat
EUROPEAN HORIZON 2020 PROGRAMME
An example of international collaboration with 14 partners from 8 different European countries that aims to introduce innovative solutions to increase the flexibility of major electricity plants in favour of renewable sources. At the power plant in Moncalieri (TO), a pilot plant is being built to test the technologies studied and developed during the project.
Planet
EUROPEAN HORIZON 2020 PROGRAMME
This project aims at developing technologies and analysis of regulatory constraints in order to make the most efficient use of distribution networks (electricity, gas and heat); Iren Group is involved in the development of a physical pilot, in which a heat pump connected to a thermal storage for heating is tested, capable of modulating the load by arranging the needs of the building with those of the electricity network.
Prelude
European Horizon 2020 Programme
Testing of innovative solutions in the field of building and plant management, maximising the interaction with users to optimize consumption.
Chester
European Horizon 2020 Programme
Development and integration of an innovative Power-to-Heat-to-Power solution to maximise the exploitation of non-programmable electricity Renewable Energy Sources (RES) and thermal RES already combined with district heating systems.
RES-DHC
European Horizon 2020 Programme
Awarded in 2020, it will test programmatic and technical-economic assessment tools, actions to improve policies and regulatory frameworks, as well as innovative dissemination and communication means in 6 European pilot projects to validate their benefits and prepare a set of tools for future projects in the energy field for the increase of renewable sources in district heating and cooling systems.
Marilia
European Horizon 2020 Programme
Started in September 2020, it develops a new low-cost, high-sensitivity, expeditious test for detecting pathogens in water samples, potentially applicable in other sectors such as food, healthcare, and agriculture. The goal is to validate the test – developed to identify a set of bacteria laying the foundations for a subsequent deployment in the field – in the laboratory, with a significant efficiency in speed and cost compared to current analytical practices.
WaterTech
MIUR Tender
Optimised, synergistic and innovative management of Group’s assets with trialled ICT architectures enabling a multi-service smart metering system, at both end users and asset level, for the optimised management of the integrated water cycle and the study of innovative technologies for wastewater treatment.
Waterspy
European Horizon 2020 Programme
Concluded in February 2020, it has developed a methodology and a tool to detect the presence of heterotrophic bacteria (Escherichia Coli, pseudomonas aeruginosa and salmonella) in aqueous matrices, highlighting relevant opportunities in the pervasive monitoring of water quality and encouraging the continuation of the optimization and improvement of the device through further activities in the monitoring of viruses in aqueous matrices applicable to the management of Water Safety Plans.
Store&Go
European Horizon 2020 Programme
Concluded in the first quarter of 2020, it implemented three innovative Power-to-Gas (PtG) systems in Germany, Switzerland, and Italy, aimed at identifying and overcoming the technical, economic, social and legal barriers. The project assessed the possibility of integrating the PtG storage system within cutting-edge energy production and distribution systems.
Everywh2ere
European Horizon 2020 Programme
Iren, as a third party, will test a fuel cell skid for electricity production during events/trade fairs (uninterrupted power supply/mobile generator mode).
eVolution2G
EMEurope Call 2016
In-depth analysis and on-site tests of Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G), a system in which electric vehicles play a balancing role on electricity networks.
INCIT-EV
European Horizon 2020 Programme
Development and on-site testing of a set of electric vehicle charging infrastructure, hardware and software technologies and business models to drive large-scale adoption of electric mobility: 5 pilot sites in urban and suburban areas will host 7 use cases with the objective of integration with existing ICT, transport, civil and commodities/utilities infrastructures.
Saturno
Bioeconomy tecnological platform – Piedimont Region call for tenders
Validation, on an industrial platform, of the conversion of the organic waste and CO2 emissions from cars and industrial processes into biofuel and biochemicals. The project conceives the enhancement of the organic fraction of municipal waste by extracting high added value substances such as hydrogen, carboxylic acids, biofertilizers and biostimulants.
Recovery of material from WEEE
MINISTRY OF THE ENVIRONMENT CALL FOR TENDERS
Development of technologies with high replicability and rapid transferable to the industrial world, aimed at optimising the management of waste from electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) and, in particular, the recovery of polyurethane from refrigerators as secondary raw material and optimising the separation of cement from the carcass of washing machines.
OnlyPlastic
RFCS - 2019
Substitution of fossil carbon sources (coal, coke, petroleum coke) in the electric arc furnaces of the Feralpi steel plant in Lonato (BS) with densified polymers derived from residues from the treatment of plastic waste.
PolynSPIRE
European Horizon 2020 Programme
Demonstration of a range of sustainable, innovative and cost-effective solutions for the energy and material recovery of post-consumer plastics and industrial waste.
5G-Solutions
European Horizon 2020 Programme
Experimentation – in different on-site, functionalities, potentialities and limits tests – of the 5G network, actively participating to the activities of the “Energy” vertical in the evaluation of the benefits related to the integration and use of the 5G network for the Demand Side Management at the level of regulation of thermal loads and the recharge of electrical vehicles.
Energy shield
European Horizon 2020 Programme
Development of an integrated cyber security platform that can be used by all actors of the energy chain (system operators, distributors, aggregators, producers). Iren Group is taking part as a distributor (through Ireti), supporting the other partners in the definition of specific cyber security tools, carrying out feasibility tests and, where necessary, conducting “offline” field tests on one or more network subsystems (remote control, SCADA, smart meters, etc.).
BestSafe4Iren
CALL FOR TENDERS PRIA4.0 - Competence center CIM4.0
Increased levels of redundancy, security and interoperability of workers’ safety equipment by integrating it with a LoRa wireless infrastructure and a next-generation DLT patent capable of certifying data from field sensors in a standardised and anonymised manner on blockchain networks to ensure the appropriate level of neutrality needed for operational, regulatory, insurance and legal use. The project will develop a solution that the Group will test on a portion of TRM’s plant and on a portion of the City of Turin’s hillside where Iren operators deal with waste collection.
ENERGYNIUS
POR-FESR 2014-2020 Emilia-Romagna
Definition of development models that enable Energy Communities and Energy Districts to carry out bidirectional exchanges with energy networks, offering energy and services to the regional/national system. Iren participates as an external partner, providing its point of view on developing the project tools and possibly with pilots in the field.
AMGA Foundation
The AMGA Foundation was established in 2003 with the aim of promoting and organising scientific, educational and cultural initiatives for protecting the environment and water resources and the optimal management of network services. In particular, it looks to increase and disseminate knowledge and understanding about the water cycle and its interactions with the environment, within research and training projects orientated at allowing sustainable management of water resources and promoting economic growth and development of the local areas in which it operates. Furthermore, it is committed to research activities on organisational models of water services and, more generally, public services, in order to assess the possible management options within the various regional scenarios. The skills acquired are made available by the organisation of training courses and seminars and the publication of technical and educational volumes. The Foundation’s scientific results from projects and collaborations are a valid reference in the water resources, energy and environmental management sectors. In 2020, AMGA undertook such activities by coordinating research projects and promoting wide-ranging cultural and educational activities. The institutional activities carried out by the Foundation also include support of initiatives launched by other organisations aimed at the management of network services and sustainability.
2020 activities
A summary of the activities promoted by the Foundation is provided below.
Research
MYRAEE – Myco Recovery of Waste Electronic and Electrical Equipment
Research aimed at the selection of new fungal strains able to selectively absorb precious metals and/or rare earths from electronic waste, the definition of the most efficient working conditions and possible pre-treatments (screening, grinding, etc.), the enhancement of the final product obtained (very concentrated solution of one or more metals whose cost on the market is high), the preliminary feasibility study of the scale-up of the process and the raising of awareness of the importance of recycling among stakeholders.
Reuse of wastewater. Hygiene and sanitation impact analysis
Monitoring hygiene and sanitation levels through studies of the microbiological and ecotoxicological characteristics of wastewater from treatment plants, characterised by various disinfection treatments, aimed at its possible reuse for agronomic/industrial purposes. The hygienic and sanitary impact of the wastewater on the receiving bodies of water (surface freshwater and/or sea water) is also evaluated.
Methods for the optimal management of urban drainage systems based on innovative monitoring of rainfall using IoT Low Power Wide-Area Network technology
Study and trial of a new tool for more efficient management of the sewarage systems during extreme weather events, through the development and testing in the Genoa centre area of advanced methods for the elaboration of two-dimensional rainfall intensity maps updated in real-time. Precipitation fields will be calculated on measurements from the Smart Rainfall System (SRS) network consisting of IoT sensors. The results of the research will provide a system that can be repeated in different contexts and refined based on the design data of the monitored sewarage systems.
Application of Water Safety Plan (WSP) to the water service, methodological and informative aspects for the stakeholders involved
Implementing WSP in the integrated cycle by assessing and managing risk in the supply chain of water intended for human consumption. Application of a new methodology in the definition of potential risks.
Indicators of resilience in water distribution systems concerning climate and socio-economic changes
Analysis of state of the art to define a methodology for quantifying water distribution systems’ resilience and measuring its variation for climate and socio-economic change scenarios.
Markets in search of regulation, tenders for gas distribution concessions
Theoretic analysis of multi-unit tenders and econometric analysis of economies of scale with regard to gas distribution, aimed at estimating a benchmark distribution cost and ranking the businesses participating in each tender according to said benchmark, in order to assess the total possible savings offered by the leading operators in individual tenders.
National sustainability guidelines for third-sector bodies, with particular reference to energy and water
Development of guidelines aimed at structuring pathways towards environmental sustainability and the efficient use of resources for non-profit organisations, with particular reference to the energy and water sectors and identifying and developing content in collaboration with the relevant stakeholders. The guidelines will be shared with at least two third-sector bodies to verify the applicability, and will be distributed in collaboration with the AMGA Foundation.
Comparative assessment of biogas cleaning and upgrading processes
Development of a tool to support industrial process operators and biogas producers in activities to plan, operate or revamp biogas plants. The study analyses biogas production processes, conducts critical analysis of biogas cleaning processes, and identifies the supply chain in use in relation to the operating parameters of the production process and the intended final use of the biogas.
Regulation of water and environmental services, analysis of factors that determine operating and capital costs, and possible impacts on price recognition models
Study of the possible regulatory synergies between the water and environmental sectors and the specific features of each sector, feasibility study of alternative regulatory models based on the recognition of standard/parametric costs, considering if such parametric benchmarks can be used to support pricing limits, regulatory guidelines and/or bonus/penalty systems in an output-based logic. The survey will be supported by a study on the perceived value of service levels, using the choice experiment method to evaluate the priorities of residents and service users.
Applicability of landfill mining to old landfill sites
Landfill mining can help to offset the post-management costs of landfill sites, remove potential sources of groundwater contamination and recover material and/or energy through the treatment of mined waste. The main outputs expected to be delivered by the project are the publication of guidelines outlining a method of analysing the technical and economic feasibility of landfill minding, and its application in a particularly relevant case study.
The economic, environmental, and organisational performance of the Italian water sector
Measuring water service operators’ performance with analysis of information on physical leaks of drinking water in distribution networks. The project aims to underline the relationships between businesses’ economic and environmental performance and their ownership structure (public or private entity), as well as the effect of other environmental or operational variables which may impact said performance. For the integrated economic and environmental performance measurement phase, a non-parametric efficiency method is used, which enables the operators with the most significant leaks to be penalised.
Nanocatalysers based on manganese oxide for sustainable energy production (Mn4Energy)
Development of a set of highly active heterogeneous catalysts based on manganese oxide to be used to produce energy through water splitting and reduce CO2.
Proposed actions for the removal of emerging pollutants and micropollutants in water treatment plants. Conventional and innovative processes
The study of various emerging micropollutants, selected for their consistent presence in bodies of water and potential but incompletely defined toxic effects, to provide a comprehensive and up-to-date framework of measures that may be adopted at water treatment plants to remove them. Through the analysis of technical literature and by processing of the data contained therein, the study will present the effectiveness of the various treatment methods currently available through the careful management of operational and process parameters, and the potential effectiveness offered by biological, physical-chemical and hybrid processes.
CULTURE AND EDUCATION
Sei Eco-logico? [Are you Eco-logical?]
A sustainability programme focusing on water, energy and the environment, delivered through fun puzzles and stickers. The three topics are illustrated in 47 fact sheets available in two languages. The contents were transformed into a web application by the students of the Italo Calvino Institute in Genoa. The project, which can be seen online at eduiren.it/seiecologico, has been published on the MIUR website among the experiences of excellence at national level. Furthermore, a second app was developed in collaboration with Liguria Digitale, featuring a virtual “playground” with 36 interactive games designed to promote environmentally sustainable behaviour in a fun and engaging way. The two apps can be accessed in the children’s area of the Città dei Bambini e dei Ragazzi educational amusement centre in Genoa.
Cacche Spaziali. Il Musical! [Space Poo. The Musical!]
Produced in collaboration with the Teatro dell’Ortica in Genoa, the play tells the story of a fantastical journey through space and time, leading to the magic world of treatment plants. The characters explore the city’s foetid streets of the 1800s, witness the construction of the new sewarage systems and the first water treatment methods, are catapulted into the future where they discover astonishing facts about shooting stars and what astronauts eat, before returning to the present day to learn about the benefits of water treatment. The show was repeated in the 2020 edition of the Andersen Festival in Sestri Levante.
A sea without plastic
The show, aimed at children and families, debuted in streaming at the Genoa Science Festival, raising awareness among spectators, through the journey of the magician Eco and Anna, on the problem of pollution caused by plastic waste that ends up in the sea every year, endangering the ecosystem and health.
Collaboration in cataloguing the Group’s historical archives
In 2020, the public authorities started cooperation with Iren aimed at reorganising the historical archives of the Brugneto water supply network, located at the Prato water purification plant.
