Abu dhabi: Artificial intelligence (AI) and digitalisation took centre stage on day 2 of ADIPEC 2025, where global energy, technology and finance leaders discussed the need for smarter investment to scale technologies and drive inclusive global progress. Government and industry leaders at ADIPEC 2025 rallied around AI’s transformative power to strengthen energy resilience and accelerate decarbonisation, recognising that energy and AI are not just shaping the future, but actively accelerating it.
According to Emirates News Agency, as ADIPEC’s second day unfolded under the theme of ‘The Technology Leap: Redefining Energy Leadership’, its expanded AI Zone and new Digitalisation and AI Strategic Conference programme were of particular importance, bringing together innovators and industry leaders to discuss and showcase technologies that enhance efficiency, advance sustainability, and drive system-wide transformation. Conference discussions spotlighted the urgent need for coordinated action across sectors. Speakers emphasised the importance of leadership and inclusive strategies to navigate the energy transition. The dialogue centred on aligning innovation with investment, forging resilient partnerships, and designing systems that can scale globally while adapting to shifting demand and market forces.
The deep impact of AI on all aspects of the energy and industry, which was explored throughout ADIPEC, was well encapsulated by Dean Watson, CEO of Enersol, in the session ‘Energy leaders in the age of AI’. He stated that AI is crucial to the core operating model and represents a significant change management initiative requiring deliberate planning and focus from leadership.
In another session titled ‘Delivering more profit and a better world: AI is catalysing an energy revolution’, Jack Hidary, CEO of SandboxAQ, highlighted the AI revolution in data centres and its influence on the energy sector. According to him, there has been a notable shift in conversations with major hydrocarbon companies seeking to integrate AI into their operations.
Olivier Oullier, Founder and CEO of Inclusive Minds, discussed AI’s benefits to the energy sector by enhancing safety, productivity, and work experience while maintaining physical and mental health. Responsible AI, he noted, uses advanced science to create technology with a positive impact.
ADIPEC’s new Digitalisation and AI programme explores scalable solutions and the impact of applied intelligence on the global energy system. In a session on ‘The talent transformation behind Energy 5.0’, experts, including Dr. Guy Diedrich, Chief Innovation Officer at Cisco, discussed the impact of AI and digital technologies on the job market. He noted that while millions of jobs might be displaced, an even larger number would be created, necessitating retraining and skill development.
In collaboration with ADNOC, the AI Zone returned to ADIPEC, offering an immersive environment focused on AI’s role in energy and vice versa. Attendees explored interactive areas and engaged with live simulations and visual data, examining AI’s impact on systems, skills, and sustainability.
Among the innovations showcased were the Mohammed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence’s robot dog, Laika, G42 Project Stargate, and Accenture’s ‘Refinery of the Future’. These, along with other smart technologies and platforms, raised critical questions about sustainable, ethical, and secure AI infrastructure.
ADIPEC 2025 continues through 6th November, with future sessions addressing hydrogen, LNG, digitalisation, and the future of energy systems, as the conference aims to translate dialogue into action, fostering partnerships and showcasing solutions for inclusive, sustainable progress.