Federico Bissoli: “AI And Green Strategies Are The Driving Forces Of A Sustainable Future”

Concordia CPL Innovation Manager on the role of new technologies in the energy transition from innovation to decarbonization.

Innovation as a driver of change. This is the philosophy that guides Corporal Concordia , a multidisciplinary cooperative group with a long history in the production, management and distribution of energy systems, which today positions itself as one of the main players in the transformation of the sector. An evolution that makes the company not only a player in the energy market, but also a real driver of innovation. Proof of this are the numerous pioneering projects, from green hydrogen to biomethane, carried out using drones and advanced digital solutions. At the heart of this vision is Federico Bissoli , the company’s Innovation Manager, who plays a key role in the dialogue between technological transformation and sustainable development.

In a world where environmental concerns and the need to reduce CO2 emissions are becoming increasingly pressing, CPL Concordia offers a comprehensive strategy that combines economic value creation with a commitment to sustainable development . From the use of artificial intelligence to optimize processes to the use of augmented reality to service businesses, the company demonstrates adaptability and innovative vision, standing out nationally and internationally.

In this interview, Federico Bissoli tells how Corporal Concordia, which on May 18, 2024 will celebrate 125 years of its history at the headquarters of Concordia nella Secchia in the Italian province of Modena in the presence of Stefano Bonaccini, President of the Emilia-Romagna Region, discusses the technological revolution and its future prospects, highlighting the important role of innovation for an increasingly resilient and stable economy .

What are the roles of an innovation manager in a company?

“The role of the Innovation Manager in the company is of strategic importance, acting as a bridge between research and development, supply and executive design, commercial management and production. This function is essential to ensure that innovations are transformed into concrete and competitive solutions, supporting the company’s growth and adaptation to market evolution . “

Can you explain how CPL develops innovations? Examples of projects?

“CPL Concordia operates in both the public and private markets. Its current focus is on the energy transition trend, in particular hydrogen, photovoltaics and biomethane. In this area, the company implements pioneering projects at national level, resulting from R&D activities and consolidated skills in the sector. We position ourselves as a technical broker and technology partner for the construction and maintenance of hydrogen production and supply plants, contributing to the implementation of the European strategy aimed at gradually increasing the use of renewable sources in order to achieve the goal of reducing overall emissions by 2050. .

But there are also new developments concerning the currently empty everyday space above our heads…

“Another promising innovation is the use of drones for video surveillance, a technology that can significantly improve safety in various contexts. High-resolution cameras allow drones to take detailed images, making it easier to identify people and objects. Thermal sensors ensure operation even in low-visibility conditions, while artificial intelligence systems can detect abnormal or potentially dangerous activities. Artificial intelligence is a central topic in the current technological landscape. CPL Concordia has launched numerous pilot projects, both in the maintenance sector, such as cogeneration and facility management, and in the field of generative artificial intelligence, also used in the marketing sector .”

How do you feel about the artificial intelligence revolution?

“CPL Concordia embraces the AI ​​revolution by actively integrating advanced technologies into its processes and services. In our 2024-2030 Strategic Plan, we set ourselves the goal of implementing AI solutions to optimize operations and increase efficiency. Another concrete example is the use of the HoloLens 2 device, which uses augmented reality to improve the design and maintenance of systems. This technology helps reduce personnel costs and increase operational efficiency, as well as enabling remote intervention with the support of specialists. In addition, through the IT Solutions sector, we organize webinars on digital innovation and artificial intelligence. These are meetings aimed at gas distribution companies and the energy sector, with the aim of promoting the implementation of these technologies in the utility market. In our Sustainability Report, we recognize AI as an accelerator of solutions to address environmental and social challenges, highlighting the importance of careful planning that combines economic value creation with sustainability. These efforts demonstrate our commitment to embracing the AI ​​revolution, integrating it into business processes to improve operational efficiency and drive sustainable development. ”

How do you combine innovation and sustainability in your company?

“CPL Concordia combines innovation and sustainability through a strategy focused on the energy transition and the adoption of low-impact technologies. We promote energy efficiency, the use of renewable sources and the reduction of CO2 emissions, developing solutions such as photovoltaic systems, biomethane, cogeneration and green hydrogen. Sustainability management is entrusted to a dedicated committee responsible for monitoring the progress of strategic initiatives in the field of ESG. This committee has defined eight priority themes. These include the promotion of a responsible supply chain, supplier optimization and skills development. But also employee well-being, supported by certifications such as ISO 37001 and 22301. We actively participate in industry events such as “Key Energy” in Rimini from 5 to 7 March 2025 to discuss cutting-edge solutions in terms of innovation and sustainability. We have also joined initiatives such as “Re-Cooperemo”. This is a project aimed at reducing environmental impact by creating a digital marketplace for managing unused corporate assets. In this way, the circular economy and resource optimization are promoted. This commitment underlines our commitment to combine innovation and sustainability, promoting responsible and environmentally friendly economic development . “

What will happen in the future at the national and international level?

The future of renewable energy is at the heart of national and international energy strategies, which are setting increasingly ambitious targets to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and reduce CO2 emissions. Global trends confirm that the growth of renewable energy is crucial to achieving climate neutrality by 2050 in Europe and internationally by 2060 in China. In the United States, the Inflation Reduction Act is still in force, although with the election of President Donald Trump, the intention to repeal or amend this law has been announced. Such a development could have a significant impact on global decarbonization programs. A specific example is the automotive sector. In this area, many challenges still need to be overcome before we can imagine a complete replacement of the traditional car fleet with electric vehicles. The main obstacles are the high cost of vehicles, the need for a more effective incentive system and the strengthening of the charging infrastructure .