UAE’s state-owned utility service provider Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has partnered with Stanford University to develop an advanced system to forecast photovoltaic (PV) panel production in the short term at the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park.
The new system reduces errors in the forecast to less than 10 percent. This helps DEWA meet its goal of providing 75 percent of Dubai’s total power capacity from clean energy sources by 2050, as outlined in the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050.
The system employs cutting-edge technology such as artificial intelligence, deep learning, high-density cameras on the primary satellite, and a network of metrological stations to predict irradiance, dust, and cloud movement.
Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer MD & CEO DEWA
“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 percent of our services according to the highest availability, reliability, efficiency, and sustainability standards. This is following the wise leadership vision to increase the use of clean energy and our efforts to invest in solar energy projects. We collaborate with Stanford University at DEWA’s R&D Centre through our membership in the Energy 3.0 program from Stanford University. The R&D center 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.”
Mr. Waleed Salman, Executive Vice President – Business Development and Excellence at DEWA said, “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,” commented Dr. Saif Saeed Almheiri, Vice President – Research & Development, DEWA.
