The agreement was signed in Dubai by Livio Gallo, Enel’s Head of Global Infrastructure and Networks, and HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD and CEO of DEWA.

Enel’s Head of Global Infrastructure and Networks Livio Gallo said: “We are very satisfied with the launch of this new collaborative initiative in tandem with a partner who shares our desire to promote smart technologies and network digitisation which are crucial for the future of the energy sector.”

HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD and CEO of DEWA, said: “We are pleased to sign this MoU with Enel, which establishes a new partnership that will witness growth, development and leadership in the field of sustainable energy.

“DEWA gives priority to strengthening cooperation with public and private local and international organisations because we believe in the importance of adhering to the best international standards to develop the efficiency of our initiatives, programmes and services.”

The MoU, which has a duration of three years and could be extended if mutually agreed upon, aims to build partnership relations between Enel and DEWA to facilitate the achievement of common strategic objectives and the exchange of information, experiences, and studies in the areas of work outlined by the MoU, including the analysis of key performance indicators in smart grids management as well as network digitisation and security.

Enel and DEWA will cooperate in research activities into the MoU’s areas of work and will share Enel’s experience in distribution automation, renewable energy integration, smart meters and smart cities, with special reference to the role played by Enel in Expo Milano 2015, as well as DEWA’s efforts in the field of smart grids.

The parties will also evaluate cooperation opportunities in network technologies for Expo 2020 Dubai, given Enel’s experience in building a fully-electric smart city for Expo Milano 2015 and DEWA’s contribution to the development of network infrastructure and related technologies for Expo 2020.

Enel is a global leader in the field of smart metering and digital network technologies and digitisation is one of the pillars of the 2017-2019 strategic plan it presented in November. In 2001 Enel became the world’s first utility to implement smart metering technology when it began replacing its Italian customers’ conventional meters with digital smart meters, which the company is now replacing with a second generation.

Enel is also rolling out smart meters in Spain, while in Romania, Chile, Brazil and Colombia it is carrying out pilot projects. In addition, the Group has a number of smart city projects in cities around the world, such as Santiago in Chile, Buzios in Brazil, and Malaga and Barcelona in Spain.

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority was formed on January 1st, 1992, by a decree issued by the late Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum to merge Dubai Electricity Company and Dubai Water Department, which had been operating independently before then. Both organisations were established by the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum in 1959.

The Dubai Government fully supported the Electricity Company and the Water Department to provide Dubai’s citizens and residents with a continuous and reliable supply of electricity and water. Since then, DEWA has made considerable achievements which brought it to be ranked as one of the best utilities in the world. DEWA provides services today to more than 760,000 customers.