Dubai Electricity and Water Authority has announced that an internally designed One-Way Data System has delivered more than AED 13 million in financial savings while significantly strengthening cybersecurity and improving the reliability of operational networks.
The patented system, currently deployed within DEWA’s Generation Division, enables secure one-way transfer of data from power generation and desalination plant control systems to a central big data platform. By allowing information to flow in a single direction, the system eliminates the risk of reverse access from external networks into critical operational environments.
Access to real-time big data has supported the rollout of advanced digital applications, including Smart Power Plant and Virtual Engineer platforms. These tools provide a comprehensive and interactive view of equipment performance and operational status, enabling faster analysis, more accurate decision-making, and improved operational efficiency. System outputs can be accessed anytime and anywhere through smart devices.
HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Managing Director and CEO of DEWA, said the achievement reflects the authority’s commitment to fostering innovation and empowering its workforce to develop solutions that deliver tangible value. He noted that building the system internally generated substantial cost savings compared to similar market solutions, while strengthening the resilience, reliability, and safety of DEWA’s digital infrastructure.
The One-Way Data System uses a combination of internally developed hardware and software to create a physical and logical separation between operational technology and information technology networks. This architecture prevents cyber intrusions into control systems and supports secure connectivity with centralised platforms and equipment manufacturers when remote services are required.
DEWA said the flexible system can be deployed across a wide range of industrial control networks, supporting the protection of diverse data types and reinforcing the utility’s broader digital transformation strategy.
News Source: Dubai Media Office
