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Italgas innovates
We stand out in the market for our long tradition and ability to innovate: the digitisation of networks and business processes is our challenge today.
The ability to innovate is the main driver of our digital transformation journey. 4.5 billion euros are planned for the development and upgrade of the Italian gas distribution network.
1.5 billion euros (+100 million compared to the previous Plan) are dedicated to the continuation of the digital transformation programs of the network. In fact, having a “full digital” network is the technical precondition for effectively managing the distribution of renewable gases, mainly biomethane, synthetic methane and hydrogen.
2.7 billion euros are dedicated to the continuation of repurposing, development, and improvement of existing infrastructures, which also considers the completion of initiatives already launched in previous years.
Approximately 200 million euros are earmarked for the methanization process of Sardinia with the completion of the construction of the “digital native” networks and the conversion to natural gas of the networks currently powered by propane air.
The Plan provides for over 100 million euros of investments aimed at developing the presence in the gas distribution sector also for external lines through selected operations and in line with the approach adopted so far.
Our development as well as our contribution to the creation of a net-zero energy mix by 2050, as envisaged by the European Union, continue to revolve around digital transformation.
Digitisation concerns two key aspects of our work:
- Digitisation of assets
- Transformation of processes and people
Digitisation of networks and smart meters
Our business plan has given a strong impetus to the digitisation of our network and the completion of the smart meters installation plan. This commitment will make us the first utility in the world with a fully digitised network.
A digital network is an infrastructure that integrates devices capable of providing and receiving information and of being controlled remotely and in real time: it is a necessary condition for the accommodation and distribution of renewable gases other than methane, such as hydrogen, biomethane and synthetic methane.
In Sardinia we experiment with hydrogen
In Sardinia we are constructing the most modern network in Italy and Europe. And it is here that we have decided to launch the Power-to-Gas pilot project that will transform renewable energy into hydrogen and allow its storage.
Digitisation and smart meters
The network digitisation programme involves the installation of digital devices and IoT (Internet of Things) technologies for the large-scale acquisition of physical network parameters and their interpretation by means of specific algorithms. This enables the real-time monitoring of network operation, alarm management, big-data analysis and predictive maintenance, leakage detection using the world’s best technologies, and further process optimisation.
The plan to install smart meters is progressing in parallel, which represent the enabling factor for the broader network digitisation project.
We have chosen to share the innovations and best practices we have acquired in gas distribution with other business areas.
In 2020 we also released the new IoT (Internet of Things) platform for all the Group’s distribution companies to remotely manage not only all the new smart meters, but also the new “smart” components we are installing along the network. All the data collected from the ‘field’ can now be analysed by Big Data and Analytics tools which enable further developments in automation and machine learning to ensure an increasingly high-quality, sustainable, efficient and safe service. The analysis of big data, among other advantages, allows us to activate a predictive maintenance of assets process and therefore to further optimise processes.
Transforming digital processes and our people
To be truly innovative, digital transformation must not only affect assets but also how we live and work. In the case of business processes, the driving force of change is our Digital Factory, where physical and virtual rooms work to optimise and digitise business processes.
Digital factory: driving force of business transformation
Some practical demonstrations of Digital Factory innovations include the WorkOnSite application, which uses artificial intelligence to remotely check the compliance of construction sites and the progress of works, or Shareviewsmart-glasses which allow experts to share their technical knowledge with colleagues located far away.
However, there is no innovation without people’s in-depth involvement. This is why we are promoting a new “digital mindset”, pursuing a gradual development starting from the capillary mapping of the digital skills in the company and continuing with the identification of Italgas Digital Ambassadors, who, trained according to the train-the-trainer model, have become responsible for the promotion of the company’s digital transition.
We have also launched an extensive upskilling and reskilling programme, as well as projects to improve accessibility in order to include disabled colleagues and customers. More specifically, the collaboration with SAP Italia has led to adjustments being made in support of the main internal administrative and organisational processes, making native instruments available that also allow people with impaired sight to use a reader that interprets the text shown on a computer screen, presenting it by means of vocal synthesis or a Braille display.