The Middle East is moving towards a smarter, AI-led future. The UAE is leading the charge with its newest initiative, which aims to transform the country’s power grid and capacity. The Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa) is set to launch a smart grid project over the next decade as part of its efforts to provide continuous, integrated services across its electricity and water networks.

In announcing the major initiative, DEWA revealed plans to invest approximately $1.9 billion by 2035 to ensure efficient, reliable, and sustainable operations. The project will incorporate technologies from the Fourth Industrial Revolution, including AI and the Internet of Things (IoT).

This smart grid will feature advanced capabilities, such as automated decision-making and interoperability within the utility network. According to DEWA, the new smart grid will help deliver electricity and water services that meet the highest standards of availability, reliability, sustainability, and quality.

Dubai’s power controller also highlighted its success in enabling the emirate to achieve remarkable results, surpassing leading European and American companies in terms of efficiency and reliability.

In 2023, electricity transmission and distribution network losses were reduced to just 2%, compared to 6%-7% in Europe and the US. Water network losses were recorded at 4.6%, a significant improvement over the 15% typically seen in North America.

DEWA introduced its first Smart Grid strategy in 2014, and in 2021, it launched an updated version extending to 2035. This updated strategy transitions smart grid programs into six key areas. One of the key programs is the Automatic Smart Grid Restoration System (ASGR), the first of its kind in the region. It improves the control, management, and monitoring of DEWA’s sprawling power network.

In 2022, DEWA also launched the Big Data and Analytics platform, integrating smart grid applications and operational technologies, among other initiatives, Al Tayer added.