DEWA signs agreement with NanoAvionics
Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has selected NanoAvionics, a leading small satellite manufacturer and mission integrator, to design, build, test and manage the launch of two 3U and 6U nanosatellites. The services provided by Nanoavionics also include operations, knowledge transfer and training. This is part of the DEWA Space-D programme, which aims to improve operational efficiency and reliability as well as preventive maintenance of power and water planning, generation, transmission and distribution systems.
Through this programme, DEWA will lead the industry in improving the operation, maintenance and planning of its networks with the support of nanosatellite technology. Space-D is supporting DEWA’s programme to digitise its networks using IoT and remote sensing technologies.
With this ambitious programme and the expertise of NanoAvionics, DEWA intends to increase the flexibility and responsiveness to monitor and manage its electricity and water networks. With Space-D, DEWA expects to reduce costs, improve the use of its assets and ensure a sustainable, efficient and reliable energy and water supply for its customers.
In line with its digital transformation, DEWA will use a 3U satellite with an Internet of Things (IoT) payload as well as a 6U satellite with an Earth observation (EO) payload from Nanoavionics. The use of satellite network connectivity, IoT terminals, satellite imagery and the application of artificial intelligence to the resulting data will improve the efficiency and effectiveness of DEWA operations, maintenance and planning. The agreement with NanoAvionics also includes launch management, construction of a ground station and an extensive training programme for Emirati specialists to facilitate the transfer of know-how and support the expansion of DEWA’s future space capabilities.
The DEWA Space-D project includes the launch of a satellite constellation to support the main satellite. These will be manufactured by Emiratis at the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park Research and Development (R&D) Centre. The system includes a ground station in the solar park, as well as IoT and AI technologies to support ground data stations in power and water networks. By deploying this infrastructure, DEWA aims to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of planning and operations, as well as improve preventive maintenance of production, transmission and distribution units, as well as smart grids and electric vehicle charging stations. High-resolution multispectral thermal imaging devices, similar to those used on board spacecraft, specifically designed for use in electricity and water networks, will be deployed to detect thermal footprints on high-voltage power lines, substations, buildings and solar power plants.
.@DEWAOfficial signs agreement with NanoAvionics to provide nanosatellites to support the digitalisation of #Dubai’s power and water networkshttps://t.co/skfQsqgxPo pic.twitter.com/Dlum2vj81z
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) December 22, 2021
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