Aliaxis SA, has announced that AQS by Aliaxis, one of its subsidiaries has won the 2024 Pioneer Award of the Solar Impulse Foundation in the Utilities category through its successful collaboration with client A2A Ciclo Idrico.
The award, handed out by Swiss explorer and activist Betrand Piccard, acknowledges their efforts in water conservation within Italy’s Brescia region, utilizing advanced leak detection technologies developed by AQS by Aliaxis. These technologies have contributed to significant reductions in water loss and energy consumption, promoting more sustainable water management practices.
Enhancing water and energy efficiency
The project, which began in 2019, was designed to assist A2A Ciclo Idrico—a subsidiary of A2A, one of Italy’s largest multi-utility companies—in reducing water losses by 40%. Supported by Pipecare, AQS by Aliaxis introduced acoustic leak detection systems into the Brescia water network.
Initially, 39 sensors were placed along 15 km of pipelines during a pilot phase, detecting 10 hidden leaks within the first week. This success led to an expansion of the system, which by 2022 was monitoring 92 km of pipeline and had identified over 170 leaks.
Impact and results
- 1.4 million cubic meters of water saved annually, representing a financial value of approximately €560,000.
- Annual energy consumption was reduced by 1 million kWh, resulting in a decrease of greenhouse gas emissions by 504,000 kg.
- To date, the project has deployed 750 sensors, covering 266 km of pipeline and has detected around 260 leaks.
“We are incredibly proud of this achievement and the positive impact of our collaboration with A2A Ciclo Idrico and Pipecare,” said Sophie Desormiere, Aliaxis Chief Growth Officer. “This award recognizes the incredible work we’ve done together to make water networks more efficient and sustainable. By reducing water loss and energy consumption, we’ve shown how innovation challenges the status quo and turns environmental challenges into opportunities.”
Tullio Montagnoli, CEO of A2A Ciclo Idrico:
“A2A Ciclo Idrico is committed to reducing water loss and enhancing efficiency for more sustainable operations that align with European standards. By installing over 180 AQS by Aliaxis sensors across 50 km of Brescia’s historic center, we have saved 1.4 million cubic meters of treated water in just one year. This achievement equates to €560,000 in savings and a reduction of 500 tons of greenhouse gas emissions. With AQS by Aliaxis technology, our continuous monitoring enables us to effectively address leaks in aging infrastructure and strengthen the resilience of our water network, making significant progress toward a more sustainable future.”
Nicola Ruggiero, CEO of Pipecare:
“As AQS by Aliaxis and A2A Ciclo Idrico partner we have been challenged to drive innovation into leak monitoring and water saving management by integrating our services into customer operational process with daily interaction. The results speak for themselves: a visionary and committed customer, cutting-edge technology and Pipecare’s experience are the right mix to overcome these challenges.”
