Abu Dhabi:Claudio Descalzi, CEO of the Italian energy company Eni, highlighted the pivotal role of Abu Dhabi and the Gulf countries in the global energy sector. He emphasized the UAE capital's central position in efforts to meet worldwide energy needs, describing it as a hub of innovation and action where leaders are motivated to create positive change.
According to Wam, Descalzi spoke with the Emirates News Agency during ADIPEC 2026, underscoring the event's significance as a major global gathering for the energy sector. He noted that ADIPEC facilitates crucial exchanges of views and expertise among government representatives and companies, especially amid current volatility, conflicts, and resource scarcity.
Descalzi elaborated on Eni's strong relationship with the UAE and ADNOC, which he said transcends business and is built on friendship and mutual understanding. Eni's operations in the UAE cover the gas sector and oil development activities. Additionally, cooperation extends to future initiatives involving data centres, artificial intelligence, and computing, in collaboration with Khazna and G42, as well as projects in Italy.
He also mentioned Eni's ongoing projects and agreements, including plans to make final investment decisions on substantial energy projects in Argentina and a data centre in Italy. The company is also collaborating with ADNOC to enhance infrastructure security and resilience, focusing on diversifying oil and gas transportation infrastructure and energy sources.
Descalzi stressed the need for increased investment and cooperation to meet the growing global energy demand, driven by population growth and the expansion of data centres and artificial intelligence. He pointed out that fossil fuels still make up over 80% of the global energy demand, necessitating the replenishment of global inventories to meet rising demand.
Eni's global production is approximately 1.9 million barrels of oil equivalent per day, with production growth expected to range between 4 and 5% annually through 2030. The company has discovered resources exceeding one billion barrels annually over the past 15 years and is developing resources in various regions, including Venezuela, Argentina, Mexico, Indonesia, Malaysia, North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa, and the North Sea, extending its activities to around 60 countries.