In 2019 A2A launched a Corporate Venture Capital (CVC) programme, in partnership with 360 Capital - relevant player in the European Venture Capital business, with the aim to promote innovation through investments in strategic businesses such as Energy Transition and Circular Economy, in line with the Group Industrial Plan.
The synergic model adopted, included in a wider Open Innovation Strategy, entails the identification of innovative solutions through scouting of start-ups and SMEs, experimental projects, idea challenges and activities of corporate entrepreneurship.
The mission of the CVC programme is to target technological solutions that can strengthen A2A core businesses, as well as materially contribute to solve the problems of people and companies.
| Starting Date | December 2019 |
| Goals |
|
| Geographical area of investments | Europe |
| Geographical area for the roll-out | Italy |
| Area of investments | Circular Economy, Energy Transition |
| Target | Start-ups, SMEs |
| Span | Long-term |
| Companies in the portfolio | 7 (in December 2021) |
| Average investment ticket | [1-3] € Mln |
| IRR Target | Higher than regulated returns |
In the portfolio as of July 2020 - has developed a computer vision-based solution that integrates artificial intelligence and data analytics: the software automatically identifies different types of waste and provides also information on its composition.
Implementation: we have completed experimentation at the Muggiano facility for the selection and processing of plastic and are assessing further applications with the goal of taking the technology to a scale-up phase.
Aim: to digitalize and automate the collection and selection of materials in order to improve the recovery capability.
Impact: Making our material recovery capability more efficient for the benefit of communities.
In the portfolio as of July 2020, from a circular economy perspective, it has patented technology for the removal of heavy and precious metals from industrial wastewater (extraction percentage >98%). The technology, now being adopted, enables drastic reductions in the costs of processing.
Aim: to effectively recover metals so that they are no longer dispersed into the environment and can be used again to generate value.
Impact: Making our material recovery capability more efficient for the benefit of communities.
In the portfolio since July 2020, it has developed a solution based on computer vision for the inspection of wastewater networks. Using an AI model, it is able to identify and locate leakages, breakages and cracks along pipelines.
Implementation: we are concluding experimentation for the inspection of the sewage system in the area of our new Valtrompia treatment facility near Concesio in the north of Italy.
Aim: to enable predictive maintenance and savings of up to 40% for repair and modernization work on water networks.
Impact: Enabling a significant reduction in water wastage for the benefit of communities.
In the portfolio since November 2021, it has patented a new battery based on the thermodynamic cycle and the use of carbon dioxide (CO2); a high-efficiency and durable solution that makes it possible to store large quantities of energy, as much as hundreds of MWh, and is designed for use with wind and photovoltaic energy facilities or with systems for the production of green hydrogen.
Implementation: we have signed an MoU with the start-up for the initial implementation of the first CO2 batteries for 100 MWh in Italy.
Aim: to optimize the storage and use of energy from renewable sources.
Impatto: Enabling innovative decarbonization for the benefit of communities.
In the portfolio since October 2021, it has developed a digital platform for energy trading as a service (TaaS) using advanced artificial intelligence algorithms. The company operates on the short-term energy trading market and helps to balance energy demand and supply on the network, optimizing the management of production and storage facilities.
Implementation: undergoing study.
Aim: to promote the energy transition and make electricity networks more flexible
Impact: directly on industrial clients.
In the portfolio since August 2021, it offers a plug&play solar panel kit for the self-generation of electricity in a residential context: the panels can be quickly and easily installed by the customer without any need for work by specialized technicians.
Implementation: undergoing study
Aim: to incentivize self-generation of energy from a renewable source and contribute to decarbonization
Impact: Facilitating a means of decarbonization for residential clients for the benefit of communities.
In the portfolio since June 2020, it has developed software designed to improve shared operational standards in the management of scheduled plant maintenance, the production of documentation for audit purposes and the enhancement of a centralized digital database.
Implementation: we have concluded experimentation in the Milan area in the sphere of on-site activities and electricity joint maintenance and are assessing further applications with the goal of taking the technology to a scale-up phase.
Aim: to digitalize maintenance procedures in larger production facilities while also encouraging collaboration between diverse skills.
Impact: Facilitating operational efficiency for our activities and those of our suppliers.
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