The Dubai Electricity and Water Authority's (DEWA) MD & CEO, HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, visited the state-of-the-art 132/11 kV digital substation (Nad Hessa), which is designed to handle the increasing demand for energy while establishing new benchmarks for sustainability and digital optimization. The substation helps to maintain the stability of the electrical grid by utilizing cutting-edge technology in digital communications, cyber security, control systems, and equipment monitoring and protection. By integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into all of its fundamental functions, including energy production, transmission, and distribution, the substation is in line with DEWA's strategic plan to become the first AI-native utility in the world.
AED 93.322 million was spent on the substation, which involved 649,064 safe man-hours with zero injuries. By utilizing advanced engineering and construction techniques, the substation was completed five months ahead of schedule.
Al Tayer emphasized the substation's significance in assisting Dubai in achieving its aspirational energy objectives. The substation demonstrates DEWA's dedication to delivering top-notch infrastructure that satisfies the expanding energy demands of the emirate and is in line with the Dubai Net-Zero Carbon Emissions Strategy 2050 and the UAE Net Zero 2050 Strategy. The Emirates Innovates Award was awarded t to DEWA for their creative design of a digital substation.
Dubai's position as a global leader in clean energy and smart cities has been strengthened by this substation, which is not only an infrastructure project. There has been a 57% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions from the substation, equating to 54.24 tonnes annually. Its cutting-edge technologies will increase grid dependability and energy efficiency, guaranteeing sustainable supplies for businesses and residential locations as well as IT firms. With this advanced substation, we demonstrate our commitment to excellence and sustainability," Al Tayer remarked.
Executive Vice President of Transmission Power at DEWA Hussain Lootah stated that, "With a 150 megavolt-ampere of total capacity, the digital substation highlights DEWA's dedication to operational excellence, sustainability, and technological innovation."
A unique feature of the substation is its innovative design in which all facilities are integrated into a single building so as to maximise the built-up area and improve security features such as remote controls and key management. There have been a number of prestigious awards presented to DEWA, including the Green Apple Environment Award 2023 and the Green World Award 2023, which highlight DEWA's commitment to adopting sustainable and innovative solutions.