DEWA and Shell Discuss AI’s Role in Future Energy Systems and Clean Power Expansion

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) hosted a high-level delegation from Shell to discuss the future of global energy systems and the transformative role of artificial intelligence (AI). The meeting was led by HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA, and Shell’s Country Chair for Iraq and the UAE, Fakher Bader. The delegation also included Geraldine Wessing, Chief Political Analyst – Strategy Insights & Scenarios, and Hessa Abdulla, MENA Media Lead.

The discussion focused on Shell’s latest report, The 2025 Energy Security Scenarios: Energy and Artificial Intelligence, which outlines three strategic pathways — Archipelagos, Horizon, and Surge — examining how AI could reshape energy systems. These scenarios aim to support strategic decision-making by helping stakeholders navigate future challenges, assess risks, and seize opportunities in the evolving energy landscape.

Al Tayer highlighted DEWA’s flagship clean energy initiatives, including the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, the world’s largest single-site solar park operating under the Independent Power Producer (IPP) model. The park currently has a production capacity of 3,860 megawatts (MW), with plans to reach 7,260MW by 2030 — up from the initially planned 5,000MW.

The ongoing sixth phase of the solar park, with a capacity of 1,800MW, incorporates the latest bifacial photovoltaic technologies with single-axis tracking and will power approximately 540,000 residences, reducing 2.36 million tonnes of carbon emissions annually. The upcoming seventh phase is projected to add 1,600MW, expandable to 2,000MW, and will feature a 1,000MW battery energy storage system capable of six-hour storage — making it one of the world’s largest solar-plus-storage projects. DEWA has received expressions of interest from 47 international firms for this phase.

Al Tayer also showcased DEWA’s upcoming headquarters, Al Shera’a, which will be the world’s tallest and largest net-positive energy government building. The structure is designed to achieve LEED Platinum and WELL Silver certifications and will incorporate technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), AI, and big data analytics to enhance sustainability and efficiency.

In line with DEWA’s digital transformation, Al Tayer noted that DEWA has launched a roadmap to become the world’s first AI-native utility. This initiative supports DEWA’s position as a global leader, with top rankings in 12 international performance indicators. In 2024, DEWA achieved the world’s lowest electricity transmission and distribution losses at 2%, compared to 6-7% in Europe and the U.S. Water network losses also stood at a global low of 4.5%. Additionally, DEWA recorded the world’s lowest customer minutes lost (CML) at just 0.94 minutes annually, far below the European average of 15 minutes.

Speaking at the meeting, Fakher Bader reaffirmed Shell’s commitment to supporting the UAE’s clean energy goals. “Shell is pleased to share insights from our 2025 Energy Security Scenarios with DEWA. These scenarios encourage dialogue on the role of AI in driving decarbonization, optimizing energy systems, and unlocking efficiencies. Through these discussions, we aim to support the UAE’s ambitions for a smarter, more sustainable energy future,” he said.