DEWA launches new disruptive lab at its distribution power division complex

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has inaugurated a new Disruptive Lab at its Distribution Power Division Complex in Al Ruwayyah, as part of its innovation and future-shaping framework.

DEWA’s Disruptive Lab (DDL) provides a scientific environment that encourages its utility engineers and innovators to develop and test the disruptive technologies of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. The lab promotes partnerships and exchanging experiences with leading global institutions in the utility sector.

Marwan bin Haidar, executive vice president of Innovation and the Future at DEWA said the Innovation and Future Shaping Framework features three main phases. He said each phase uses different tools, including strategies, action plans, and pioneering initiatives.

“It also includes nine enablers: Foresight Tools; Knowledge Management; Innovation and Future Policies; Partnerships; Research and Development; Human Capital; Performance Management; Future Platforms; and Innovation Platforms,” said Haidar.

DEWA has inaugurated a new Disruptive Lab at its Distribution Power Division Complex in Al Ruwayyah. The lab provides a scientific environment that encourages DEWA’s engineers and innovators to develop and test the disruptive technologies of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. pic.twitter.com/i85YCWgJ9N

— DEWA | Official Page (@DEWAOfficial) July 19, 2023

In March, DEWA inaugurated the Disruptive Lab at the Al Hudaiba building. The lab uses concept design methodologies to help business teams identify requirements and challenges and develop innovative solutions. It also invests in Computer-Aided-Design (CAD) software to create digital models and simulations that can be used for testing and validation.

“The prototypes developed by DDL at DEWA’s Distribution Power Division Complex include a speech-to-text smart application that streamlines the work of engineers and field technicians when writing observations and notes,” Rashid Bin Humaidan, executive vice president of Distribution Power at DEWA.

Bin Humaidan the lab is currently developing a project for manufacturing electric vehicle chargers for different types of car models, enhancing efficiency and reducing costs.

DEWA generates, transmits and distributes electricity and potable water to end users throughout Dubai. The group owns 56 per cent of district cooling services provider Empower and comprises several other businesses including the manufacturer and distributor of bottled water Mai Dubai, digital business solutions company Digital DEWA and Etihad ESCO, a company focused on the development and implementation of energy-efficient solutions.

DEWA boosts operational efficiency

Meanwhile, DEWA is leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to augment the efficiency of operations in Dubai’s water and power network.

Earlier in July, Digital DEWA, the digital arm of DEWA, signed an MoU with Huawei to accelerate digital transformation, decarbonisation and the development of a future-oriented power communication network.

The company became the first utility in the world to enhance its services with Microsoft’s artificial intelligence technology ChatGPT in February. The utility giant said it plans to integrate ChatGPT technology into its services to customers and employees through Moro Hub, a subsidiary of Digital DEWA.

DEWA has been investing in metaverse technology to implement and develop its current and future projects. Last October, it unveiled ‘DEWAVerse’, to become the first local government organisation to launch its platform on the metaverse to advance its services to customers and employees.

Read: Digital DEWA bolsters partnership with China’s Huawei