The Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has colaborated with Enbala,a leading Canadian firm in constructing what is billed as the region’s first Virtual Power Plant (VPP). This is an ongoing contribution by DEWA to exploring and shaping the future of the global energy sector in line with its wise vision to foster innovation by the UAE leadership.

A VPP is said to represent an intelligent network of solar photovoltaic, battery-stores and flexible loads, distributed and small to medium scale generators. VPPs aim to enhance the visibility of distributed power resources (DERs) by providing grid services such as peak shaving, frequency control or power balance.

Dewa said the VPP will function as an intelligent network to “increase the visibility” of the distributed energy resources of the Emirates.

The Pilot VPP is a product of a fruitful research collaboration at the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park between the research and development center of DEWA and Enbala.

It will serve as a platform for adding selected distributed energy resources and managing the mixed portfolio as a single conventional grid-connected power plant. The advanced technology uses Artificial intelligence (AI) to integrate diverse types of power within DEWA's intelligent network.

Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, the MD and CEO of DEWA. said, “We are working to achieve the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to make Dubai the smartest and happiest city in the world, and fulfil the objectives of the UAE Centennial 2071, the UAE Vision 2021, and the Dubai Plan 2021 to make Dubai a smart and sustainable city.”

He also went on to explain, “In line with Dewa’s vision to become a globally leading sustainable innovative corporation, we seek to shape the future of the local, regional, and global energy sectors. We will do this by keeping pace with the Fourth Industrial Revolution and adopting innovative disruptive technologies to anticipate and shape the future of energy. The virtual power plant will increase renewable energy integration capabilities, supporting the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 to produce 75% of Dubai’s total energy from clean energy sources.”

Trent Bowers, chief commercial officer of Enbala commented on the recent developments saying,“Within the world of distributed energy management, this is a very exciting and game-changing project. We are honoured to be a part of this far-reaching initiative that is sure to take energy sustainability to new levels. The world will be watching Dewa’s clean energy initiatives with great interest.”