Through its Space-D programme, the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority’s (DEWA) has collaborated with Stanford University to develop an advanced system to forecast Photovoltaic (PV) production in the short term, at the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park (MBR Solar Park). The new system reduces errors in the forecast to less than 10% according to DEWA.

According to a statement from DEWA, the collaboration supports the utility’s efforts to achieve the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 to provide 75% of Dubai’s total power capacity from clean energy sources by 2050. DEWA explained that the system uses artificial intelligence, deep learning, high-density cameras on the main satellite and a network of metrological stations to predict irradiance, dust and cloud movement, which can affect PV performance.

“We are collaborating with Stanford University at DEWA’s R&D Centre through our membership in the Energy 3.0 programme from the university. The R&D centre focuses on enhancing partnerships, especially among the academic community and harnesses all capabilities to anticipate the future, develop long-term proactive plans to keep pace with the Fourth Industrial Revolution and innovate disruptive technologies to provide world-class services that enhance the quality of life in Dubai,” said Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD and CEO of DEWA.

Prof Adam Brandt, associate professor of Energy Resources Engineering at Stanford University said he was delighted at the tieup with DEWA. He stated, “Improving the ability to forecast solar PV output will help not only Dubai but the entire world, as we shift increasingly to a clean solar-based economy.”

Executive VP (Business Development and Excellence) Waleed Salman said the collaboration also exchanges knowledge and experience to resolve critical energy issues worldwide, accelerate innovation, research and studies in advanced renewable and alternative energy.

“The R&D Centre supports DEWA’s efforts to overcome challenges in the energy sector when generating electricity from solar and clean energy. This supports the centre’s goals to become a global platform for promising solutions that enrich the scientific community in the UAE and the world,” said Dr Saif Saeed Almheiri, vice president of Research & Development at DEWA.