ABU DHABI: Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and ADNOC Managing Director and Group CEO, has called upon the energy industry to spearhead the next phase of sustainable socioeconomic growth. Speaking at the 40th edition of ADIPEC, Dr. Al Jaber emphasized the need for the industry to leverage the opportunities presented by global megatrends, including the rise of emerging markets, the growth of artificial intelligence (AI), and the transformation of energy systems.
According to Emirates News Agency, Dr. Al Jaber highlighted the importance of targeted investment, enhanced energy infrastructure, and supportive policies to unlock the potential of these megatrends. ADNOC is strategically positioning itself to embrace these opportunities by pivoting across the energy value chain, focusing on decarbonization, and delivering long-term sustainable value.
Dr. Al Jaber projected significant changes in global energy demand by 2050, driven by population growth primarily in the Global
South. He noted the need for energy markets to evolve and energy systems to transform, citing a substantial increase in demand for wind, solar, LNG, and electricity. The rise of AI, he explained, is both a catalyst for change and a significant consumer of energy, necessitating the expansion of data centers and diverse energy sources.
The UAE’s proactive adaptation of its energy systems was underscored, with ADNOC’s international strategy including global gas expansion, investments in chemicals, battery storage solutions, and low-carbon fuels. Dr. Al Jaber stressed the interconnected nature of energy and AI, advocating for a cross-sectoral approach to meet AI’s energy needs while leveraging AI for energy transformation.
ADNOC’s commitment to AI was further demonstrated by the launch of ENERGYai, a collaboration with AIQ, G42, and Microsoft. This platform aims to apply agentic AI at scale, autonomously analyzing data to drive operational improvements and enhance efficiency. Dr. Al Jaber urged industry leaders
to adopt integrated strategies that harness AI’s potential for optimizing energy resources and improving infrastructure.
In conclusion, Dr. Al Jaber called on the energy sector to embrace these transformative forces, using ADIPEC 2024 as a catalyst for action. He underscored the urgency of seizing this moment, emphasizing that the industry’s leadership is crucial for navigating the challenges and opportunities ahead.