MILAN; Nov. 27, 2019 – Accenture (NYSE: ACN) and Snam, one of the world’s leading energy infrastructure companies, have signed a memorandum of understanding to study and assess solutions based on Internet of Things (IOT) technologies to boost innovation and sustainability of energy networks as part of the global strategic push towards an energy transition.

The collaboration is part of a broad initiative by Snam — dubbed "SnamTec, Tomorrow’s Energy Company" — that calls for investments of over €1.4 billion in innovation and energy transition by 2023 involving everything from the application of new technologies to increase the networks’ sustainability to a commitment to green sectors such as sustainable mobility, renewable gas, hydrogen and energy efficiency.

Accenture and Snam will research and assess solutions for internet-connected devices and other technologies — such as machine learning and artificial intelligence, edge and fog computing and advanced analytics — to optimize the monitoring and maintenance of infrastructure to make it smarter and more sustainable, generating a positive impact on surrounding regions and communities.

Another objective of the collaboration will be to carry out analyses on the growing role of renewable gases such as biomethane and hydrogen on the energy mix of the future.

“The right digital strategy is critical to achieving a low-carbon future, increasing safety and building community engagement,” said Accenture’s CEO Julie Sweet. “Snam is an industry leader, and this initiative represents an exciting new chapter in our long and trusted relationship. We look forward to co-developing solutions with Snam to help them — and the industry — accelerate innovation and increase sustainability.”

Marco Alverà, Snam’s CEO, said: “Innovation is a pillar of the SnamTec project, with which we are laying the foundations for the energy company of the future, including through agreements with international firms such as Accenture. The aim is to make our network increasingly modern, sustainable and integrated with local regions and communities, using innovative systems like IOT to facilitate system maintenance and reduce emissions. Thanks to our commitment to innovation, with our new plan we expect to reduce methane emissions by 40% by 2025 and CO2 equivalent emissions by 40% by 2030.”

Accenture Italia’s Chairman and CEO Fabio Benasso added, “Over the years we have built a strong business relationship with Snam that has allowed us to achieve ambitious goals both nationally and internationally. We will continue to provide them with our energy industry expertise and technology capabilities to support them in the complex process of shifting to a more modern, prosperous, competitive, and climate-neutral economy.”