DEWA Launches Region's First Virtual Power Plant, Pioneering Energy Sustainability

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has successfully completed the pilot phase of its Virtual Power Plant (VPP) project, the first of its kind in the region.

Announced by HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA, the VPP aims to revolutionize the management of Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) and enhance energy sustainability, crucial for achieving net zero by 2050.

The VPP leverages advanced digital technologies, including AI forecasting and optimization, to integrate and control various DERs, supporting the smart grid. DEWA is currently testing the VPP using a digital twin of the electrical network to assess its potential as a digital enabler for large-scale system flexibility.

This pilot project includes a variety of DERs, such as photovoltaic solar systems, battery storage, electric vehicle charging stations, and other flexible loads, providing a total flexibility of approximately 3.3 MW.

Al Tayer highlighted DEWA's commitment to innovation and sustainability, aligning with the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 and the Dubai Net Zero Carbon Emissions Strategy 2050. The VPP project, part of DEWA's broader initiative to digitize utilities and enhance energy security, underscores the organization's position as a leading global utility.

Waleed Bin Salman, Executive Vice President of Business Development and Excellence at DEWA, noted that the R&D Centre has shared knowledge of the VPP project at international scientific conferences and in peer-reviewed journals. DEWA's comprehensive techno-economic feasibility study aims to expand the VPP's deployment across its grid, with plans to implement key use cases for its distribution and transmission networks on a larger scale.

The VPP's smart network and digital platform enable DERs to support network operations and provide grid services such as peak shaving, power factor correction, and energy balancing. This project reflects DEWA's focus on integrating innovative technologies to enhance operational efficiency and reliability in Dubai's energy sector.

News Source: Dubai Media Office