INSIGHT ISSUE 02 | 2020

9 currently on track to meet this target. Eni in February 2020 set goals to progressively expand its installed renewable energy capacity to over 55 GW by 2050 and reduce the emissions of its products by 55% by the same year. The revamp calls for splitting Eni’s operations into two newbusiness groups -- Energy Evolution and Natural Resources. Pagani’s role is to support both business groups in reaching their goals with digital technology. Eni has always seen technology as a business enabler, says Pagani. Digital technology is helping Eni with its energy transition in three main ways. First, it reduces the business risk involved in the energy transition. Investments need to be based on the certainty that one energy source will prevail over others in the medium and long term. This is riskier than, say, deciding where to drill for a well. “If I am able to design and realize a project virtually before I do it physically, I amde-riskingmy project,” he explains. “Today we are starting to the ability with IoT and sensors to have a lot of data, and use calculations to model using AI, image recognition, or machine learning, that enable us to de- risk our industrial sector. Or to predict its behaviour.” For example, Eni is using digital technology to create models of carbon capture and utilisation (CCUS) in a project to capture carbon dioxide emissions on an industrial scale using our patents, modelling it digitally. Historically it started using a digital twin on subsurface simulation for supporting exploration activities. This leads to the second way digitalization is helping Eni’s energy transition by accelerating Eni’s R&D processes. As a consequence, they can make informed decisions much more quickly, says Dario. This is a significant advantage, because the clock is ticking towards 2030, and companies need to move quickly. Lastly, digitalization is helping Eni’s energy transition by empowering it to give consumers the tools they need to improve their energy management like smart grids and smart building, cutting consumption. “Digital will play a strong role in the entire value chain, as a technological platform, from producer to consumer”, says Pagani. The digitalization of the energy transmission relies on communications, and therefore cannot take place without an adequate infrastructure, he points out. Eni has invested in a secure infrastructure to support the digital evolution of its business. Digital technology and ICT are two sides of the same coin: one is the enabler of the other. “The opportunities offered by digitalization cannot be achieved without a technological infrastructure that is robust, reliable, resilient and efficient”, he says. TECHNOLOGY MAKES THE DIFFERENCE IN THE ENERGY TRANSITION over 55GW Expand its installed renewable energy capacity to by 55% Reduction of the emissions of Eni products ENI GOALS TO ACHIEVE BY THE YEAR 2050 PRYSMIAN GROUP EDITORIAL STAFF INSIGHT | Focus On