By: Economy middle east

The CEO of the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, has met with the deputy CEO of the UK Space Agency, Chris White-Horne, to discuss potential cooperation in space technology. The high-level meeting, held during the Dubai Airshow, focused on leveraging advanced space technologies to enhance the efficiency, reliability, and sustainability of Dubai's utility services for electricity and water.

Central to the discussions was DEWA's innovative Space-D program, a pioneering initiative that utilizes nanosatellites and other space-based technologies. This program is designed to support the planning, operation, and maintenance of Dubai's extensive electricity and water networks, representing a novel application of space technology in the utility sector.

Al Tayer highlighted the significant progress of the Space-D program since its launch in 2021 by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Through this initiative, DEWA became the world's first utility provider to employ its own nanosatellites, integrating them with other Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to optimize infrastructure performance.

The program's advanced ecosystem includes two key satellites: DEWA SAT-1, which tests long-range communication for monitoring remote substations and water lines, and DEWA SAT-2, which uses high-resolution imaging for tasks like monitoring seawater near desalination plants and assessing new infrastructure projects. These satellites are supported by a dedicated ground station and a network of IoT terminals.

A primary objective of the Space-D program is to support Dubai's ambitious clean energy goals, including the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 and the Dubai Net-Zero Carbon Emissions Strategy. The data gathered from the satellites enhances operational efficiency at the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park and is instrumental in supporting the emirate's aim of producing 100% clean energy by 2050.

The UK Space Agency expressed strong admiration for DEWA's groundbreaking work. Chris White-Horne emphasized the UK's commitment to international collaboration in the space sector and recognized the significant potential for knowledge sharing and joint innovation that could set a new global standard for using space technology to enhance essential Earth-based services.

Both parties expressed a keen interest in expanding their cooperation. The meeting underscored the vital role of international partnerships in accelerating innovation for space-enabled utilities, with a shared goal of leveraging these technologies to strengthen grid resilience, enhance sustainability, and support the global transition to smarter and cleaner energy systems.