Dubai Electricity & Water Authority (DEWA) | DEWA showcases its space programme and nanosatellites at Dubai Airshow 2023

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) is showcasing its Space-D programme and nanosatellites DEWA SAT-1 and DEWA SAT-2 at the 18th Dubai Airshow. DEWA will highlight its success in utilising space technology to promote sustainability and to streamline the management of power and water networks. The Space-D programme is a key pillar of DEWA’s ambitious plan to enhance its position as a leading player in the domestic and global utilities sector. The Dubai Airshow is held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, at the Al Maktoum International Airport from 13 to 17 November 2023.

DEWA is participating as part of the UAE Space Agency’s pavilion at the show. DEWA will highlight its efforts to empower Emirati calibre to continue developing the space sector. The Emirati-led design, development and in-orbit control of DEWA SAT-1 and DEWA SAT-2 at DEWA’s Research and Development (R&D) Centre stands as a testament to DEWA’s enduring commitment to nurture homegrown talent. During the event, DEWA will showcase the advanced cloud platforms that support the missions of the two nanosatellites, as well as DEWA’s Space-D Ground Station located at the R&D Centre, which is capable of tracking and communicating using S-band and X-band frequencies with the satellites in low Earth orbit at an altitude of 400-700 kilometres.

“DEWA works in line with the vision and directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE; and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to strengthen the UAE’s leadership and competitiveness in the space sector. We aim to achieve the UAE’s National Space Strategy 2030 and the Dubai Net Zero Carbon Emissions Strategy 2050. As part of our efforts to promote the Emiratisation of space industries, we seek to train Emiratis specialised in the use of space technologies to enhance electricity and water networks to improve their effectiveness and operational efficiency. DEWA is the world’s first utility to use nanosatellites to enhance the maintenance and planning of electricity and water networks,” said HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA.

DEWA’s Space-D programme provides world-class services in cooperation with leading global satellite technology companies. The programme is also actively working towards developing synergistic relationships with global leaders such as European Space Agency (ESA) and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), in addition to partnerships with academic institutions. The programme takes advantage of Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies such as Internet of Things (IoT), and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to exchange information with the help of satellite communications and Earth observation technologies. The nanosatellite technology is supported by Moro Hub (Data Hub Integrated Solutions LLC)- a subsidiary of Digital DEWA, the digital arm of DEWA- for cloud computing needs. The overall project enhances the digitalisation of the power and water networks; and increases the efficiency and effectiveness of planning, operation, and preventive maintenance for the generation, transmission, and distribution divisions, smart grids, and electric vehicle charging stations. It also reduces costs and improves DEWA’s asset utilisation.