Dubai Electricity & Water Authority (DEWA) | Using nanosatellites in the energy sector is a pioneering model from Dubai to the world

“The real value of our projects lies in their ability to achieve our strategic objectives, maximise the use of available resources and adopt the latest innovations. Furthermore, the success of these projects is determined by their positive impact and the enhanced quality of life they help achieve.” These were the words of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, when he inaugurated DEWA’s space programme (Space-D) in January 2021. The programme aims to use space technologies to enhance electricity and water networks and take advantage of the Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies to promote efficiency and effectiveness and provide electricity and water services according to the highest standards of quality, availability, efficiency, and reliability to make Dubai the smartest and happiest city and the best place to live worldwide.

The UAE has made outstanding achievements in the space sector and has become one of the pioneering countries in space science and technologies, making unprecedented achievements in the Arab World. Over the past few years the UAE launched Khalifa Sat, the first Arab satellite made by Emiratis, Emirati Astronaut Hazza Al Mansoori went to the International Space Station and Hope Probe was launched to Mars. The UAE also participates in exploring the Moon, Venus and other planets. This is significant proof of the success of the UAE’s strategy to establish a developed and sustainable technology and science sector that contributes to a knowledge-based economy and the country’s competitiveness in this sector, which is key to the UAE’s economy with investments exceeding AED 22 billion over the past few years.

Twelve months after launching the Space-D programme, DEWA has launched DEWA-SAT 1, a 3U nanosatellite, becoming the world’s first utility to use nanosatellites and the Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies such as the Internet of Things, Artificial Intelligence, and blockchain to exchange information with the help of satellite communications and earth observation technologies to improve its operations, and maintenance and planning of the electricity and water networks. This is done with the help of Emiratis, who are specialised in using space technologies in electricity and water networks.

Nanosatellites, which are smaller in size and cost less, are part of the technologies that will improve several areas. They are used in energy, agriculture, civil engineering, and oil and gas sectors, among others. The Space-D programme will enhance the global competitiveness and strategic partnerships of the UAE national space sector and embark on a new era of Emirati capabilities in space and technologies and relevant industries to employ them in enhancing electricity and water networks. Nanosatellite technology will complement the terrestrial IoT communication network to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of DEWA’s operations and support the digitisation of our electricity and water networks. This will increase the efficiency and effectiveness of our planning, operations, and preventive maintenance for our production, transmission, and distribution divisions, as well as our smart grids and electric vehicle charging stations. It also reduces costs, improves asset use, enables knowledge and experience transfer, and educates Emiratis at DEWA. By the end of 2022, we plan to launch a 6U nanosatellite with customised high-resolution image sensing technology specifically designed for DEWA to communicate with its IoT terminals.

At DEWA, we will continue to enhance the UAE’s leadership in the clean and renewable energy sector and support the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to revive the Arab civilisation supported by Emirati men and women who have gained extensive experiences and skills in different areas including space sciences and technologies.