Space assets and their combination with technology enablers, including but not limited to internet of things (IoT) and 5G, data analytics and artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, unmanned transport (e.g.: aerial and maritime) systems, provide a unique opportunity for developing applications and services to support the utility sector. The European Space Agency (ESA) and the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) have been discussing possible joint activities based on their strong interest in the development of innovative space-based technologies and applications to support safety, affordability and environmental sustainability for the utility sector. The discussions have been consolidated in a Memorandum of Intent that was signed with the main purpose of pursuing space-based activities to advance innovation and sustainability in the utilities sector, focused on energy and water. 

The objective of the cooperation is to foster the development of innovative space-based applications to support safety, affordability, operational effectiveness, agility in resource deployment and environmental sustainability for the energy and water utility sector.

As a concrete step following the signature of the Memorandum of Intent, ESA and DEWA are preparing to launch an innovative joint Call for Proposals, inviting companies to submit their ideas for deploying and demonstrating sustainable downstream space services addressing DEWA’s priorities in water management, including improving the efficiency of water infrastructure usage, water treatment efficiencies, preventative infrastructure maintenance, water policy creation and information and  water grid security and infrastructure security.  

Another opportunity is offered by the “Commercial Applications of Space-Enabled Robotics for Energy” thematic call, referring to the physical structures and networks that are used to transport and store energy. The call will offer the opportunity to include DEWA input on specific use cases as well as partnering on the selected activities. Sustainable applications will require the establishment of a wide ecosystem including terrestrial and satellite connectivity providers, which will allow application developers and service providers to deliver innovative and sustainable services for a longer term efficient, competitive utilities sector.

DEWA is also joining the ESA initiative “Task Force for Innovation in Energy Through Space” (https://business.esa.int/energy-task-force), which was launched in October 2022 with the main purpose of leveraging the use of space applications to advance sustainable innovative services addressing the clean green energy ecosystem and supporting the growth of a sustainable green economy. The Task Force today comprises eight international members: the European Distribution System Operators for Smart Grids (E.DSO), European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity (ENTSO-E), Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), Global Alliance for Sustainable Energy, India Energy Storage Alliance (IESA), DECOM North Sea, Aberdeen Renewable Energy Group (AREG) and Net Zero Technology Centre (NZTC).

“Since its launch in January 2021, DEWA’s Space-D programme has improved the operations, maintenance, and planning of our electricity and water networks with the support of nanosatellite technology, and the Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies and the help of satellite communications and earth observation technologies. DEWA has successfully launched two nanosatellites, DEWA SAT-1 and DEWA SAT-2, making it the first utility worldwide to utilise nanosatellites for improving the maintenance and planning of electricity and water networks. We are pleased to cooperate with the European Space Agency to develop this programme further and provide a role model for other utilities worldwide to take advantage of space technology in the power and water sectors,” said His Excellency Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA).

“This partnership with DEWA provides a unique opportunity to work together in the development of innovative space-based applications and services for the utility sector. The collaboration is also an indicator of the potential space assets have to offer in the advancement of the utilities sector for a sustainable digital future. Together, we will support the emergence of innovative space solutions creating major impact in relation to water and energy sustainability and security” stated Rita Rinaldo, Head of Projects and Studies Implementation at the European Space Agency (ESA).

French company Murmuration has been awarded a coveted ESA Rising Stars award for its environmental monitoring service, which uses space technology to mitigate the growing environmental footprint of global tourism. Devised under ESA’s Business Applications and Space Solutions (BASS) programme, the pioneering service harnesses satellite data to generate key indicators designed to inform sustainable travel and development. 

With localised environmental assessments usually occurring yearly, decision makers in the tourism industry lack sufficiently accurate and up-to-date data, hampering the sector’s advance towards sustainability. Murmuration brings significant advances to the field, using Satellite Earth Observation (SatEO) data to provide near-real time information about environmental factors across touristic zones, paving the way towards significant efficiency gains and improved regulation of tourism flow.

Murmuration integrates SatEO data with other sources, such as Open Street Maps and Eurostat information detailing tourism statistics in specific areas. The system processes this data, converting it into environmental indicators, which are accessible to users via an intelligent platform dashboard. The key indicators (air, water, land, biodiversity, and human activities) provide decision makers with vital information about a wide range of aspects from air quality and vegetation health to tourist flow. 

This comprehensive solution will provide precise, up-to-date data on travel destinations across the globe, which will not only help to promote environmental responsibility but also boost sustainable economic activity within the tourism sector by locating the most sustainable areas for investment and development. Use cases could include monitoring the impact of tourism on air quality, assessing urbanisation and infrastructure, and evaluating sustainable tourism and environmental capacity. 

Throughout the development and pilot phase, Murmuration worked closely with Segittur, which promotes innovation in the Spanish tourism sector, CRTL AURA (the Tourism Committee of the Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes region) and the Malta Tourism Authority. These successful collaborations have already led to contracts with CRTL and the Malta Tourism Authority, among several others. 

ESA’s Rising Stars awards recognise the most promising European space start-ups in ESA’s ecosystem and Murmuration’s accolade is testament to the strength and impact of the company’s offering. As Murmuration continues to develop its product and its commercial reach, with 7 key users already adopting the service and a turnover of €750K in 2022, more contracts and market developments are in the pipeline. While solidifying its presence in the primary tourism market, the French company is also evolving its service to meet the needs of related sectors, with plans to apply it to monitoring the environmental impact of sports and other major events. The real-estate sector has also been identified as a key target area. This commercial promise is matched by major environmental benefits, as Murmuration informs and influences tourism actors to make smarter, more sustainable choices, which in turn will lead to improved quality of life for citizens and travellers across the world.

Guillaume Prigent, ESA’s Technical Officer who has worked closely with Murmuration on the project, says “This venture shows how combining space technology with a great business idea can lead to significant commercial and sustainability returns. We are delighted to see Murmuration receiving an ESA Rising Stars award and look forward to seeing the service grow and expand into new markets.”  

Tarek Habib, Murmuration’s co-founder and Chairman says “Murmuration seamlessly intertwines space technology and tourism, with ESA’s support emerging as a crucial linchpin from scientific, technical and commercial perspectives. Our team is deeply honoured to be conferred with the ESA Rising Stars award, as it not only fuels our motivation but significantly enhances the credibility of our services.”

Hugo Gonzalez, manager of the BASS programme at CNES (Centre National D'Etudes Spatiales) says “Murmuration is an excellent example of how space data can bring benefits for all kinds of terrestrial activities. We are proud that Murmuration has received the ESA Rising Stars award, showing the high potential of the French ecosystem to link science, technical and business skills for the benefit of all.”