A2a introduces Teti, an underwater robot capable of cleaning sediment from hydroelectric reservoirs without the need to drain them. This also prevents the consequent waste of water, which according to CEO Renato Mazzoncini is equivalent to "the output of 10,000 domestic photovoltaic rooftops of 3 kW, for a total of 30,000 kW." "In times like these — with the international situation and the Strait of Hormuz crisis — he emphasises — that's a significant amount."
The problem of sediment stems from climate change, which generates extreme weather events that produce debris depositing in front of the intake and discharge openings of reservoirs, limiting their hydroelectric output.
The new tracked underwater robot, currently being tested in the Cancano reservoir, makes it possible to avoid "sluicing" — the draining process required to carry out cleaning, which can last several weeks or longer — thereby interrupting energy production.
The robot is manufactured by French company Watertrack and is the result of collaborative fieldwork with A2a's technical team. It has no environmental or noise impact, is 100% electric, and can be transported to various sites.
With its lateral cutting heads connected to a floating pipeline for sediment collection, Teti began operating in the Cancano reservoir (Valdidentro) in June, removing more than 10,000 cubic metres of sediment to date.
A2a's hope is to create a national supply chain for removing sediment and repurposing it in other sectors, representing a circular economy model. Testing will conclude in October, but from what has emerged so far, the new robot's performance has already received approval.
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