DEWA joint project with Masdar Institute qualifies for 2nd UAE Drones

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) and Masdar Institute of Science and Technology (Masdar Institute) have qualified for the second UAE Drones for Good Award based on their joint efforts to develop drone technology. The Award was launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to use drone technology to improve living standards and establish the infrastructure to provide services using drone technologies to serve humanity. Participating teams will compete in environment, education, logistics, transportation, construction, infrastructure, healthcare, civil defence, tourism, and humanitarian aid for natural disasters.

DEWA is cooperating with Masdar Institute, graduate level, research-oriented university that focuses on the Research and Development (R&D) of clean energy and sustainable infrastructure, and the use of drones. This supports the Sirb (Arabic for ‘fleet’) initiative, which was launched by DEWA to support the Drones for Good Initiative and to support Dubai’s infrastructure and aid smart technologies to serve Dubai’s citizens and residents.

"DEWA and Masdar Institute qualifying to participate in the UAE Drones for Good Award supports the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and the UAE Vision 2021 to make the nation one of the world’s best countries by 2021, and the Dubai Plan 2021 to transform the Emirate into a smart and sustainable city that is at the forefront of innovation, to become the happiest city on Earth and a safe, effective and influential city for citizens, residents, and visitors," said Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Managing Director and CEO of DEWA.

"To achieve our vision to become a sustainable innovative world-class utility, and in line with our support for the Dubai Innovation Strategy to make the Emirate the world's most innovative city, we have adopted the best global practices in unmanned drones working in the energy and water sectors," he added.

DEWA has started using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) to check photovoltaic panels on its buildings and facilities. UAVs save considerable time and effort as they completely scan the building’s roof, which can provide images with an Ultra High Definition Resolution of over 20 megapixels. DEWA adheres to the highest safety and security standards by outfitting drones with sensors and anti-magnetic field paint to neutralise their effect on users, and on DEWA’s assets.

This initiative will greatly improve operational efficiency by accelerating operations, increasing safety during regular network testing and maintenance, while accurately detecting failures. The initiative will also help monitor power plants, conduct field surveys for new projects so customers can place more trust in DEWA’s services, while improving competitiveness and financial savings. The drones provide early detection by using thermal imaging for overhead power lines.

This limits risks and reduces costs, enables a quick response and is very accurate, making it easier to make informed decisions. The drones use state-of-the-art upgradable technologies such as high-definition cameras that are equipped with night-vision and laser technologies, GPS sensors, and can measure pressure, height, magnetic fields, and use ultrasound scanning.