Italgas to innovate on gas distribution networks with University of Pavia
Image: Italgas
Italgas has entered into a collaboration agreement with the University of Pavia on the security and resilience of the gas distribution networks.
Under the agreement several research areas are covered focussed on innovative solutions for gas distribution networks and strategies to mitigate the effects of natural hazards.
These include integrated monitoring and early warning systems on the geo-hazards of the environment and the urban fabric affected by the network and the creation of physical models and digital twins, also for the development and application of trenchless technologies for the redevelopment of existing pipelines.
Experimental characterisation of parts and components of the infrastructure also is proposed, with particular reference to the seismic sensor included in Nimbus, Italgas’s hydrogen ready gas smart meter, the widescale implementation of which will make it possible to collect a large amount of information relating to the effects of individual seismic phenomena – a level of detail not currently available.
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“Climate change and increasingly frequent natural phenomena also expose infrastructures to risk situations. It is therefore necessary to play in advance by investing in innovation and cutting-edge technologies that guarantee network resilience and continuity of service,” said Pier Lorenzo Dell’Orco, CEO of Italgas Reti, and signatory to the agreement.
“The collaboration with an excellence of the calibre of the University of Pavia goes in this direction. We want to share our know-how in search of solutions that make the network even smarter, more performing and more flexible, making the most of the data collected in the field from networks and plants and the expertise of the European gas distribution champion.”
The research activities will be carried out in collaboration with the University of Pavia’s Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture, which is equipped with one of the largest Italian experimental structural engineering laboratories, and the Pavia-based Eucentre Foundation, one of the world’s largest centres in the field of earthquake engineering.
Francesco Svelto, Rector of the University of Pavia, who signed the agreement on its behalf, said he was proud to be opening new fronts for research and innovation, offering students relevant opportunities for training and personal growth.
“Our university is moving decisively in the direction of the encounter between young people and the world of work. The increase in opportunities that this opens up for students, but also for researchers and society as a whole is evident. I am sure that we will have a long and fruitful journey with Italgas.”
