Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has advanced drone use so it can be used to better serve the region, strengthen the services offered to area residents and
support Dubai's infrastructure.
DEWA’s Sirb initiative consists of a fleet of high-end drones used to create easy-to-use services for the Dubai people.
The advanced technology harnessed by DEWA is used for early detection to identify overhead power lines and for topographic surveys, photovoltaic panel maintenance, improved operational efficiency and thermal inspection. The drones are equipped with lasers, night-vision and GPS sensors. They can use ultrasound scanning and measure magnetic fields, pressure and height making their use more cost effective and providing quicker response times.
“DEWA uses drone technology in its Sirb initiative to improve its operational efficiency and provide seamless and easy-to-use services according to the highest international standards, to make everyone happier,” DEWA Managing Director and CEO Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer said. “This supports the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to position the UAE as an international center for developing drone technologies and a global hub for civilian drone applications to enhance the services provided to society.”
The drones used by DEWA range from multirotor drones to fixed-wing. These tools can be used to collect samples from a location within a 12.5-mile range as well as search for and identify red tide and oil spills. The Sirb initiative is designed to make operation more efficient, increase safety during regular maintenance and other projects and to assist in detecting failures.
“DEWA attaches great importance to innovation and making use of the latest international technologies,” Al Tayer said. “This supports the National Innovation Strategy, launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, to position the UAE as one of the most innovative countries in the world, and the Dubai Innovation Strategy announced by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council, to make Dubai the most innovative city in the world. It also supports DEWA 's efforts to drive innovation and creativity in renewable and clean energy and water, and its vision to become a sustainable innovative world-class utility.”
DEWA hosted a live presentation of its Hydro Drone at the second UAE Drones for Good Award where the group also presented four of its drones. The Hydro Drone is used for water sampling at different locations surrounding the purification plants. The drones have the ability to land on water and can fly on average for approximately 25 minutes.
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