The project delivered measurable fuel savings, saving approximately AED 8.72 million in operating costs annually.
Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) on Monday announced advanced operational results of the world’s first artificial intelligence (AI)-powered Gas Turbine Intelligent Controller (GTIC), developed jointly with Siemens Energy.
The system increased the operational efficiency of the gas turbines and increased the power generation capacity of the 14 gas turbine units at the Jebel Ali Power Desalination Facility by approximately 28.9 megawatts (MW), resulting in capital expenditure (CAPEX) savings of approximately AED 38.95 million ($10.61 million).
Project will reduce operating costs by AED 8.72 million
The Gas Turbine Intelligent Controller is an advanced solution that integrates digital twin technology, thermodynamic science, and AI algorithms to enable real-time autonomous control of gas turbines. This system helps recover capacity loss due to equipment deterioration, increase power generation capacity, improve combustion stability, and reduce emissions.
The project delivered measurable fuel savings, resulting in annual operating expenses (OPEX) savings of approximately AED 8.72 million. It also reduced carbon emissions by approximately 28,530 tons per year and nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions by approximately 22.9 tons per year.
“Under the vision and direction of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, we will continue to leverage Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies, particularly AI, to advance energy and water infrastructure and support DEWA’s transformation into the world’s first fully AI-native utility,” said Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD, CEO of DEWA.
Mr. Al Tayer said this project demonstrates the ability of DEWA employees to develop pioneering solutions that improve operational performance and further strengthen the company’s global leadership in innovation and sustainability.
“This achievement adds to DEWA’s record of innovation growth by increasing operational efficiency, reducing fuel consumption and operating costs, and reducing emissions, thereby supporting our sustainability goals and efforts to minimize the environmental impact of power generation operations,” he added.
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Projects that strengthen Dubai’s position as a global hub for innovation and sustainability
The AI-powered Gas Turbine Intelligent Controller received a seven-star rating in the International Best Practices Competition and was recognized as a global best practice for leveraging AI and advanced technology to improve power plant efficiency while creating sustainable operational and environmental value.
DEWA’s Executive Vice President of Power Generation (Power and Water), Nasser Loota, explained that GTIC integrates AI, machine learning, digital twin technology and thermodynamics to enable real-time intelligent monitoring and optimization of turbine performance.
He said the solution supports faster and more accurate operational decision-making while improving the management and efficiency of critical power generation assets.
The project’s 7-star rating highlights DEWA’s ability to develop innovative operational solutions that integrate efficiency, sustainability and reliability. It also highlights DEWA’s commitment to delivering a pioneering global model that strengthens Dubai’s position as a leading global hub for innovation and sustainability.
