A2A launches Teti underwater robot for dam maintenance

A2A has launched the Teti Project, an innovative underwater robot designed to clean sediment from hydroelectric reservoirs without the need to drain them. Currently undergoing experimental testing at the Cancano dam in Valtellina, Italy, the tracked robot operates at depths of up to 80 meters. It uses two milling tools to loosen sediment, which is then removed by a pump.

Developed in collaboration with Watertracks, the technology aims to solve the growing issue of sediment buildup caused by climate-driven extreme weather events. Traditionally, cleaning reservoirs required draining them, a process that halts electricity production and wastes significant amounts of water. A2A CEO Renato Mazzoncini noted that avoiding these shutdowns saves energy equivalent to the annual production of 10,000 domestic solar plants.

So far, the project has successfully removed 10,000 cubic meters of debris. The initiative is part of A2A's broader management of 21 hydroelectric plants, which provide a total capacity of 1.2 gigawatts.