Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) is executing a smart grid initiative with total investments amounting to AED7 billion ($1.9 billion). This project aligns with the vision of the UAE’s esteemed leadership, aiming to position Dubai as the smartest and happiest city globally. The smart grid facilitates uninterrupted, integrated services around the clock, incorporating advanced features such as automated decision-making and interoperability within the electricity and water infrastructure. By harnessing cutting-edge technologies from the Fourth Industrial Revolution, including artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT), the smart grid guarantees efficient, reliable, and sustainable operations.
“We are guided by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and the directives of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, to develop state-of-the-art infrastructure that supports Dubai’s push to become the smartest and happiest city in the world. DEWA’s smart grid – with investments totalling AED7 billion up to 2035 – contributes to providing electricity and water services according to the highest standards of availability, reliability, sustainability, and quality.
Reduced line losses and water network improvements
This initiative has allowed DEWA to achieve remarkable outcomes, outpacing notable European and American firms in terms of efficiency and reliability. In 2023, line losses in electricity transmission and distribution networks were reduced to 2 percent, compared to 6-7 percent in Europe and the US. Additionally, water network losses dropped to 4.6 percent, significantly lower than the approximately 15 percent reported in North America. DEWA also set a global record in electricity Customer Minutes Lost (CML) per year, with Dubai experiencing just 1.06 minutes per customer, in contrast to around 15 minutes recorded by leading utility companies in the European Union,” stated H.E. Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, managing director & CEO of DEWA.
Read more: DEWA’s Green Hydrogen Project cuts CO2 emissions by over 40 tons in transportation sector
Smart Grid Strategy
In 2014, DEWA established its inaugural Smart Grid strategy. By 2021, it introduced an updated strategy extending through 2035, transitioning its smart grid programs into six essential themes. Furthermore, these themes boost smart enablers and provide enhanced flexibility to address emerging opportunities and challenges. They incorporate 19 globally recognized smart grid enablers that align with DEWA’s strategic goals.
Automatic restoration of electricity
Among the smart grid initiatives is the Automatic Smart Grid Restoration System, the first of its kind in the Middle East and North Africa. This system enhances the control, management, and monitoring of DEWA’s power network. Functioning continuously without human intervention, it employs advanced central systems to identify faults, isolate them, and automatically restore services. This innovation improves grid automation, fault detection, and service restoration, reinforcing DEWA’s dedication to delivering services with the utmost reliability, accountability, and efficiency.
Analyzing big data
Additionally, in 2022, DEWA introduced the Big Data and Analytics platform to integrate smart grid applications and operational technologies, among other elements. This platform enables the processing of vast amounts of data, providing data-driven analytics and forecasting for current and future projects. It plays a crucial role in enhancing the operations and management of assets and smart meters, ultimately improving stakeholder experiences and driving happiness.
High usage alert
Moreover, the ‘High-Water Usage Alert’ service, supported by the smart grid, identifies any leaks in water connections beyond the meter. The smart meter system promptly notifies customers of any unusual spikes in consumption, enabling them to swiftly address internal connection issues and repair leaks with the assistance of a specialized technician. Since its inception in 2019 and up until the end of 2023, the service has successfully detected 1,811,681 water leaks after the meter, 36,005 defects, and 13,397 instances of increased load.
