Intelligent CIO Middle East Issue 34 | Page 81

INTELLIGENT BRANDS // Green Technology Quantum computing to power energy optimisation ///////////////////////////// DEWA will work with Microsoft and access new quantum Microsoft Azure services to create quantum-inspired solutions to power energy optimisation and improve sustainability efforts in Dubai and the United Arab Emirates. T he Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has announced plans to work with Microsoft to develop new quantum-based solutions to address energy optimisation and other challenges where classical computers have serious limitations, making it the first organisation outside the US to participate in the Microsoft Quantum programme. As part of the deal, Microsoft will work closely with DEWA to identify the challenges where quantum computing will have the greatest impact. Energy optimisation, for example, requires far too much traditional computing power to identify the ideal balance of resources from different energy sources to meet ever-changing consumption needs in real time. As part of Dubai 10X (an initiative to use advances in technology to deliver new or www.intelligentcio.com existing services in radically different ways), DEWA wants to reimagine its role as a utility company by launching ‘Digital DEWA’, the digital arm of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority. It is leveraging Microsoft Quantum to help accelerate its goals. In addition, the two organisations will look at ways to support the Dubai EXPO 2020, an event that brings people from all over the world to share ideas. HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, managing director and CEO of DEWA, said: “We are delighted to work with Microsoft to bring the revolutionary power of quantum computing to Dubai, to achieve the vision of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and ruler of Dubai, to make Dubai the smartest and happiest city in the world. “This also will contribute to addressing key challenges while furthering our goal to make the UAE one of the most innovative and sustainable countries in the world. “This partnership will provide us with early access to Microsoft’s quantum computing research and capabilities to develop solutions that improve performance, productivity and quality of services provided to our customers and beyond.” Microsoft is pioneering the emerging quantum era through a unique approach that will deliver the industry’s most stable and scalable quantum computer. As the development of the quantum computer continues, select partners such as DEWA can access new quantum-inspired Azure services for the most complete, state-of-the-art, end- to-end quantum programming. INTELLIGENTCIO 81