Collaboration of DEWA’s R&D Centre and Stanford University

In recent news, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA)’s R&D Centre Collaborates with Stanford University to develop an advanced system to forecast PV production with the Space D programme. This development will take place at the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park (the biggest single-site solar park worldwide) using the Independent Power Producer (IPP) model. By 2030, it will have a capacity of 5,000MW.

The new system will help in reducing errors to less than 10% during the forecast. This will assist DEWA in achieving the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 which aims at providing clean energy by 2050 to 75% of Dubai’s total power capacity.

Modern technologies like deep learning, artificial intelligence, high-density cameras on the main satellite and a network of metrological stations to predict irradiance, dust and cloud movement, are used under this system which can affect the performance of PV.

Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA, said, “We work on paving the way for a new phase of Emirati capabilities in space exploration, technology and related industries that will be used to strengthen electricity and water networks in Dubai. We also strive to maintain 100% of our services according to the highest availability, reliability, efficiency, and sustainability standards.”

“We collaborate with Stanford University at DEWA’s R&D Centre through our membership in the Energy 3.0 programme from Stanford University. The R&D centre focuses on enhancing partnerships, especially among the academic community and harnesses all capabilities to anticipate the future, develop long-term proactive plans to keep pace with the Fourth Industrial Revolution and innovate disruptive technologies to provide world-class services that enhance the quality of life in Dubai,” he added.

Waleed Salman, Executive Vice President – Business Development and Excellence at DEWA states, “This advanced system is part of DEWA’s collaboration with Stanford University, which includes R&D in renewable energy, smart grids, energy efficiency and storage, data analysis and other areas. The collaboration also exchanges knowledge and experience to resolve critical energy issues worldwide, accelerate innovation, research and studies in advanced renewable and alternative energy.”

“The R&D Centre supports DEWA’s efforts to overcome challenges in the energy sector when generating electricity from solar and clean energy. This supports the Centre’s goals to become a global platform for promising solutions that enrich the scientific community in the UAE and the world. It also helps us strengthen the skills and knowledge of Emirati researchers to maintain DEWA’s position at the forefront of utilities worldwide,” said Dr Saif Saeed Almheiri, Vice President – Research & Development, DEWA.

Associate Professor – Energy Resources Engineering, Stanford University, Prof. Adam Brandt, said, “I am pleased and honoured to be able to collaborate with DEWA on this world-leading solar project. Improving the ability to forecast solar PV output will help not only Dubai but the entire world, as we shift increasingly to a clean solar-based economy.”