Dewa rolls out $1.9bn smart grid to boost efficiency

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa) is implementing a smart grid that will cost AED7 billion ($1.91 billion) up to 2035, focusing on efficient and reliable operations.

It says the smart grid will ensure integrated services, offering advanced features such as automated decision-making and interoperability across the electricity and water network.

“The smart grid will contribute to providing electricity and water services according to the highest standards of availability, reliability, sustainability and quality,” said Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, managing director and CEO of Dewa.

“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. Water network losses reached 4.6 percent, significantly lower than the approximately 15 percent recorded in North America,” he said.

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In 2014, Dewa developed its first smart grid strategy. In 2021, the utility provider launched an updated strategy extending to 2035.

The smart grid programmes includes the automatic smart grid restoration system, the first in the Middle East and North Africa, which enhances Dewa’s power network’s control, management and monitoring.