Focused on reducing harmful gas emissions, Sorigué works on several research and development projects spanning different business areas. More specifically, CLD looks to boost the performance of its EVs for waste collection and management. This project, called GENIUS, is a public-private initiative also involving the Polytechnic University of Catalonia (UPC), the Energy Research Institute (IREC), and the company NVISION.  

By creating digital twins, GENIUS classifies all the information provided by EVs along their routes and the infrastructure surrounding them, analysing strategies to keep them as environmentally friendly as possible. Digital twins are virtual replicas used to simulate a variety of scenarios and predict how these would affect a real environment.  

This system monitors vehicle routes using IoT-based technology (Internet of Things) and harnesses Big Data and AI systems to analyse them. This way, analyses can be run on how different vehicle models, routes and charging systems affect efficiency to lower energy use.

Furthermore, a demonstration plant will be set up where out-of-use EV batteries will be given a second life, offering a new energy storage option and showing a strong commitment to reuse and the circular economy.  

To fulfil the Barcelona collection and street cleaning contract, CLD has enhanced its fleet with over 120 EVs and installed a new solar pergola to meet its in-house electricity needs. This industrial environment is perfect for a project like GENIUS, whose findings can be replicated at other companies.  

The GENIUS project is funded by European Union Next Generation funds. It is part of the state R&D&I programme geared towards societal challenges within the framework of the 2017-2020 State Plan for Scientific and Technical Research and Innovation.