Sustainable innovation: a circular and integrated approach

  • Sustainable innovation
  • For quality of life
  • Circular innovation
  • Areas of focus
  • An increasingly open ecosystem

Sustainable innovation

A circular and integrated approach

We develop ideas and technologies that help shape the future of the planet. We do this through a circular innovation approach, accelerating the ecological transition in an increasingly self-sustaining and integrated way. Because there is no sustainability without innovation

For quality of life

Why sustainable innovation is needed today

The world we live in is constantly evolving, shaped by challenges such as the climate crisis, Europe’s energy dependence, rising electricity demand and waste management. Artificial intelligence opens up new possibilities, but applying it at scale requires both physical and digital infrastructure. Responding to these challenges means adopting future-fit technologies capable of accelerating:

  • the ecological transition
  • technological innovation
  • energy autonomy
  • industrial growth 

From smart infrastructure to new storage systems, from CO₂ capture to predictive AI for managing plants and networks: since 2017, at A2A we have been building a pathway to put innovation at the service of quality of life.

The impact of our AI

The contexts in which we apply artificial intelligence vary, but the underlying logic is always the same: bringing efficiency and precision where traditional systems fall short. The figures below highlight some of the impacts already measured across our plants and infrastructure:

+15p.p.

Improvement in diagnostic effectiveness on electricity networks through Digital Twin technology and AI algorithms

98%

Accuracy in material recognition through computer vision

8Mm³

Water saved each year through monitoring of water networks

10kton

CO2 Avoided annually by optimising thermal energy supplied to district heating networks using AI

Circular innovation

Our approach to sustainable innovation

Our idea of sustainable innovation is circular in two senses. In terms of content: we develop technologies for the circular economy and the energy transition, always starting from the concrete needs of the Group’s Business Units. In terms of method: the economic value we generate is reinvested into new solutions.

Self-sustaining growth

For us at A2A, innovation is no longer just a function, but a strategic asset that is also designed to be economically sustainable. Our projects generate returns that feed the next cycle, creating continuous value over time.

Integrated and bidirectional model

Bringing an idea from concept to implementation requires different skills at different stages. We always start from internal needs and scale solutions externally by activating dedicated levers.

Areas of focus

How do we support the ecological transition?

From energy storage systems to network digital twins, from AI applied to waste management to generative agents supporting operations, we deploy technologies and capabilities to accelerate the ecological transition.

IoT, predictive models and storage systems for renewables

We integrate storage systems, digital monitoring and forecasting models to manage renewable generation in a more stable and efficient way.

  • To balance supply and demand, enable time-shifting services and support grid services. 

  • To control generation efficiency, solar irradiation, wind conditions, state of charge and operational parameters of storage systems.

  • To forecast generation, load and prices, optimising dispatching and trading strategies.

  • To ensure continuity of service during periods of low renewable output. 

Digital twins, automation and new assets for distribution

We strengthen electricity, water and heating networks through digitalisation, automation and new investments to integrate renewables, ensure continuous service and manage growing demand.

  • To simulate the impact of new loads, identify potential congestion and plan targeted investments.

  • To simulate the impact of new loads, identify potential congestion and plan targeted investments.

  • To monitor voltage, frequency and energy flows.

  • designed to integrate renewables, storage systems and large high-energy-demand users.

AI, robotics and sensing for waste management

We integrate AI, industrial robotics and sensor technologies to improve material sorting accuracy and make plant operations more efficient.

  • To to automatically recognise and classify materials on sorting lines.

  • To precisely separate complex or high-value recyclable fractions.

  • To monitor chemical and physical parameters and optimise treatment processes

  • To reduce plant downtime and improve asset availability.

Generative AI, co-pilots and AI agents for operations and people

We support A2A people by automating repetitive and complex processes, reducing errors and improving productivity and operational efficiency.

  • Supporting technicians and operators in document analysis, maintenance and planning

  • To automate repetitive processes (reporting, compliance, ticket management, monitoring). 

  • For simulations, predictive analysis and decision support.

  • Of corporate data for governance, traceability and cybersecurity

An increasingly open ecosystem

Democratising access to know-how and technologies for a shared future

Industrial innovation requires collaboration. That is why we at A2A have created an operational partner network with a European focus:

Because our innovation model is circular, but not closed. Through A2A Life Ventures, our ambition is not only to collaborate with other organisations to source and develop ideas. It is also to bring to market the technologies developed for the Group, making the know-how built over the years available to the wider Italian industrial ecosystem.