Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has achieved a 28.9 megawatt (MW) increase in power generation capacity following the successful implementation of the worldโs first artificial intelligence (AI)-driven Gas Turbine Intelligent Controller (GTIC). Developed in collaboration with Siemens Energy, the advanced system has been deployed across 14 gas turbine units at the Jebel Ali Power and Desalination Complex. The operational results confirm that the intelligent turbine controller has secured capital expenditure (CAPEX) savings of approximately AED 38.95 million ($10.61 million) while significantly enhancing the operational efficiency of critical utility assets. This project represents a milestone in the integration of Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies into national energy infrastructure, supporting the transition toward fully autonomous power generation.
The Gas Turbine Intelligent Controller utilizes a combination of digital twin technology, thermodynamic sciences, and complex AI algorithms to enable real-time, autonomous optimization of turbine performance. By recovering capacity losses typically caused by equipment degradation and environmental factors, the system ensures more stable combustion and higher generation output. The implementation of this intelligent turbine controller has also delivered tangible fuel savings, resulting in annual operating expenditure (OPEX) savings of approximately AED 8.72 million. These efficiencies are critical for managing the environmental impact of high-volume power generation, as evidenced by a reduction of carbon emissions by around 28,530 tonnes and nitrogen oxides (NOx) by 22.9 tonnes per year.
Strategic Infrastructure Optimization and Innovation
The projectโs success is anchored in DEWAโs broader strategic vision to leverage AI for the advancement of water and energy infrastructure. Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD and CEO of DEWA, stated: โUnder the vision and directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, we continue to leverage Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies, particularly AI, to advance energy and water infrastructure and support DEWAโs transformation into the worldโs first fully AI-native utility. This project demonstrates the ability of DEWAโs workforce to develop pioneering solutions that elevate operational performance and further strengthen the organizationโs global leadership in innovation and sustainability.โ The achievement underscores the organization’s focus on reducing fuel consumption and minimizing the environmental footprint of its large-scale operations.
The GTIC system received a seven-star rating at the International Best Practice Competition, where it was formally recognized as a global best practice in technology-driven power generation. Nasser Lootah, Executive Vice President of Generation (Power and Water) at DEWA, explained that the integration of machine learning and thermodynamic sciences allows for more accurate and rapid operational decision-making. By providing real-time intelligent monitoring, the solution improves the management and reliability of critical power assets. This model of innovation not only reinforces Dubaiโs status as a global hub for sustainability but also provides a scalable framework for utility providers worldwide seeking to optimize existing infrastructure through advanced digital solutions.