DEWA and ESA partner on space-based applications for utilities

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) and the European Space Agency have signed an agreement on the development of space applications.

The Memorandum of Intent between DEWA and ESA is intended to pursue joint space-based activities to advance innovation and sustainability in the energy and water utilities sector.

Specifically the objective of the cooperation is to foster the development of innovative applications to support safety, affordability, operational effectiveness, agility in resource deployment and environmental sustainability in these sectors.

As a concrete step, a joint call for proposals is being prepared for the deployment and demonstration of sustainable downstream space services to address DEWA’s priorities in water management.

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Among these are improving the efficiency of water infrastructure usage, water treatment efficiencies, preventative infrastructure maintenance, water policy creation and security of the water grid and other infrastructure.

“Since its launch in January 2021, DEWA’s Space-D programme has improved the operations, maintenance and planning of our electricity and water networks with the support of nanosatellite technology, Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies and the help of satellite communications and earth observation technologies,” says Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD and CEO of DEWA.

“We are pleased to cooperate with the ESA to develop this programme further and provide a role model for other utilities worldwide to take advantage of space technology in the power and water sectors.”

Under DEWA’s Space-D programme, two nanosatellites have been launched, DEWA SAT-1 in January 2022 and the larger DEWA SAT-2 in April 2023.

With these DEWA has become the first utility to utilise nanosatellites to support the maintenance and planning of electricity and water networks.

Another opportunity will be offered in the ‘Commercial Applications of Space-Enabled Robotics for Energy’ thematic call, which will include DEWA input on specific use cases as well as partnering on the selected activities.

The Memorandum of Intent is the second following a November 2023 similar signing with E.ON Innovation.

As a first step of the cooperation, E.ON Innovation is collaborating with ESA on its ‘Space for Infrastructure: Energy’ initiative, providing use cases of E.ON´s energy business such as the automatic detection of damage to  power lines by extreme weather or by critical third-parties such as unannounced construction sites.

The ‘Space for Infrastructure: Energy’ call, which closes on January 26, is aimed to provide funding towards feasibility studies and demonstrations on the use of space technologies to support energy infrastructures, including power plants, transmission lines, pipelines and energy storage facilities.

ESA energy task force

DEWA is also joining the ESA’s ‘Task Force for Innovation in Energy Through Space’, which was launched in October 2022 to leverage the use of space applications to address the clean green energy ecosystem and support the growth of a sustainable green economy.

Current members include the European organisations ENTSO-E and E.DSO, the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), Decom North Sea, Global Alliance for Sustainable Energy, the Scotland-based Aberdeen Renewable Energy Group and Net Zero Technology Centre and the India Energy Storage Alliance.

ESA has identified a range of opportunities within the energy sector where space could facilitate innovation.

These include utility and small scale renewable generation, green hydrogen and other alternative energy carriers, ensuring security of supply, e-mobility planning, circularity and decommissioning, asset operation and maintenance and decarbonisation.

The task force is focussed on developing and maintaining an up to date overview of policies and activities in these areas, identifying short and long term priorities within them with the potential space added value and implementing initiatives to be undertaken with the members.

Rita Rinaldo, Head of Projects and Studies Implementation at the ESA, says the partnership with DEWA provides a unique opportunity to work on the development of innovative space-based applications and services for the utility sector.

“The collaboration is also an indicator of the potential space assets have to offer in the advancement of the utilities sector for a sustainable digital future. Together, we will support the emergence of innovative space solutions creating major impact in relation to water and energy sustainability and security.”