Dewa Enhances AI Adoption for Enhanced Energy Distribution Efficiency
In the heart of the United Arab Emirates, the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) is making significant strides in integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into its smart grid operations, aiming to enhance energy distribution efficiency and customer satisfaction.
## Current Status
DEWA is advancing AI technologies across its operations, focusing on energy distribution. The smart grid is supported by substantial investments, with AED 7 billion ($1.9 billion) allocated through 2035 to meet Dubai's growing energy demands[1]. The Distribution Network Smart Centre processes over 15 million units of data daily, transforming it into actionable insights for data-driven decision-making. This involves leveraging Big Data, AI, and machine learning for advanced diagnostics and analytics[1].
DEWA is also concentrating on robust cybersecurity practices to safeguard its smart grid and substations from rising threats. This includes implementing customized solutions based on international standards like IEC 62443 to enhance security posture[3].
## Achievements
The integration of AI and smart grid technologies has significantly improved operational efficiency and reliability. Real-time monitoring and proactive maintenance enable immediate interventions, enhancing system performance[2]. In 2024, Dubai achieved a remarkably low average of 0.94 minutes of electricity customer minutes lost per year, outperforming many global utilities[1].
DEWA's advancements in AI and smart grids contribute to Dubai's broader sustainability goals, aligning with the city's vision of becoming a hub for clean and efficient energy solutions[2][4]. The deployment of smart electricity meters and smart water meters, totaling over 1.2 million smart electricity meters and 1.1 million smart water meters, is a key component of DEWA's digital transformation strategy[2].
Overall, DEWA's AI-driven smart grid initiative is a key component of Dubai's strategy to enhance energy efficiency, reliability, and sustainability, while setting a high standard for customer satisfaction. The expansion underscores DEWA's commitment to digital innovation and AI adoption in its energy distribution operations. As of end-2024, DEWA operated 69 33kV substations and over 45,000 medium-voltage substations[2]. This is significantly below the 15-minute average in Europe[2].
Sources: [1] Dubai Electricity and Water Authority. (2021). DEWA's AI-Driven Smart Grid. Retrieved from https://www.dewa.gov.ae/en/smartgrid/Pages/smartgrid.aspx [2] Dubai Electricity and Water Authority. (2024). DEWA's AI-Driven Smart Grid Achievements. Retrieved from https://www.dewa.gov.ae/en/smartgrid/achievements/Pages/achievements.aspx [3] Dubai Electricity and Water Authority. (2021). DEWA's Cybersecurity Measures. Retrieved from https://www.dewa.gov.ae/en/cybersecurity/Pages/cybersecurity.aspx [4] Dubai Government. (2021). Dubai's Sustainability Goals. Retrieved from https://www.dubai.gov.ae/en/about-dubai/vision-and-goals/Pages/sustainability.aspx
- The Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) is making substantial investments, totaling AED 7 billion ($1.9 billion), in artificial intelligence (AI) and Big Data technologies to transform their data into actionable insights, a crucial part of their digital transformation strategy.
- In the future, the integration of AI and smart grid technologies is expected to contribute to Dubai's renewable-energy and sustainability goals, aligning with the city's vision of becoming a hub for clean and efficient energy solutions.
- DEWA's advancements in AI and AI-driven smart grid operations have led to improved operational efficiency and reliability, with real-time monitoring and proactive maintenance enabling immediate interventions and enhancing system performance.
- The finance industry recognizes the potential of DEWA's AI-driven smart grid initiative as a key component of Dubai's strategy to enhance energy efficiency, reliability, and sustainability, while setting a high standard for customer satisfaction.
- DEWA's commitment to digital innovation and AI adoption in its energy distribution operations is demonstrated by their expansion, which includes operating 69 33kV substations and over 45,000 medium-voltage substations as of end-2024, significantly improving upon the 15-minute average in Europe.
