Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) is exploring opportunities to collaborate with the UK Space Agency in space technology to enhance the efficiency, reliability and sustainability of its utility services.
This was part of the discussions between Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA, and Chris White-Horne, Deputy CEO & Chief Delivery Officer at the UK Space Agency, who met on the sidelines of the Dubai Airshow at Dubai World Central.
DEWA uses its pioneering Space-D programme, which leverages nanosatellites and advanced space technologies to improve the planning, operation and maintenance of electricity and water networks. DEWA is the world’s first utility to harness nanosatellites to optimise its networks.
Al Tayer highlighted the achievements of the Space-D programme, which was launched in January 2021 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
Al Tayer commented: “At DEWA, we are committed to leveraging cutting-edge technologies to support the UAE’s vision and enhance our global competitiveness. Our Space-D programme is a testament to this commitment, and we are eager to explore collaborative opportunities with the United Kingdom.
“Such international partnerships in space technology can accelerate innovation, improve the sustainability of our utilities, and contribute to a brighter future for all.”
Chris White-Horne added: “The UK is dedicated to fostering international collaboration in the growing space sector. DEWA’s groundbreaking work in applying space technology to utility management is incredibly impressive. We see significant potential for knowledge sharing and joint innovation that can not only benefit our two countries but also set a new global standard for how space technology can enhance essential services on Earth.”
Space-D programme’s robust infrastructure includes DEWA SAT-1 nanosatellite, launched in January 2022, which tests direct-to-satellite long-range (LoRa) communication from custom-designed IoT terminals to enable substation condition monitoring, weather station integration, and water transmission line surveillance in areas with limited connectivity.
It is complemented by the DEWA SAT-2, launched in April 2023, which provides high-resolution imagery and greenhouse gas measurements for applications such as monitoring seawater temperature and salinity near desalination plants, detecting oil spills, fog estimation, and tracking the progress of new asset construction.
The orbital network is supported by a dedicated ground station at the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park and a system of IoT terminals that facilitate communication and use thermal imaging to monitor the health of high-voltage transmission lines, substations, and solar power stations.
The meeting was attended by Marwan Bin Haidar, Executive Vice President of Innovation and the Future, and Dr Yousef Al Akraf, Executive Vice President of Business Support and Human Resources.
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