Dewa Reports Increase in Power Output by AI-powered Gas Turbine Controller

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa) has reported strong operational results from the world’s first artificial intelligence (AI)-driven gas turbine intelligent controller (GTIC), developed with Siemens Energy.

The system has increased generation capacity across 14 gas turbine units at the Jebel Ali Power and Desalination Complex by around 28.9 megawatts (MW), delivering estimated CAPEX savings of AED 38.95 million ($10.6 million).

Using digital twin technology, thermodynamics and AI algorithms, the GTIC enables real-time autonomous turbine control, improving efficiency, combustion stability and emissions performance.

The project has generated annual OPEX savings of approximately AED 8.72 million, while reducing carbon emissions by around 28,530 tonnes and NOx emissions by 22.9 tonnes annually.

The controller received a seven-star rating at the International Best Practice Competition, recognizing its use of AI to improve power generation efficiency and sustainability.

"Under 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 Dewa’s transformation into the world’s first fully AI-native utility," said Saeed Al Tayer, MD and CEO of Dewa.

Al Tayer said that this project demonstrates the ability of Dewa’s workforce to develop pioneering solutions that elevate operational performance and further strengthen the organization’s global leadership in innovation and sustainability.

"The achievement adds to Dewa’s growing record of innovation by enhancing operational efficiency, reducing fuel consumption and operating costs, and lowering emissions, thereby supporting our sustainability objectives and efforts to minimize the environmental impact of power generation operations," he added.

Nasser Lootah, Executive Vice President of Generation (Power and Water) at Dewa, explained that the GTIC integrates AI, machine learning, digital twin technology and thermodynamic sciences to enable real- time intelligent monitoring and optimization of turbine performance.

He noted that the solution supports faster and more accurate operational decision-making while improving the management and efficiency of critical power generation assets.