Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and ADNOC’s Managing Director and Group CEO, called upon the global energy sector to drive the next phase of sustainable socioeconomic growth. Speaking at the opening of the 40th edition of ADIPEC, Dr. Al Jaber underscored the importance of capitalizing on three global megatrends—emerging markets, the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), and the transformation of energy systems—to accelerate sustainable growth.
Dr. Al Jaber outlined the unprecedented integration needed across sectors to harness the potential of these megatrends. He emphasized the need for targeted investments, enhanced grid and energy infrastructure, and enabling policies and regulations to unlock transformative opportunities. At ADNOC, he highlighted the company’s proactive approach to these megatrends, pivoting toward new opportunities across the energy value chain to future-proof the business, decarbonize, and deliver long-term sustainable value.
“By 2050, the world’s population will grow by 1.7 billion, primarily in the Global South,” said Dr. Al Jaber. “This shift will require energy markets to adapt and energy systems to transform, with demand for electricity set to double. The rise of AI will further accelerate this transformation, creating new challenges and opportunities that demand immediate action.”
One of the most notable points from Dr. Al Jaber’s address was the exponential growth of AI, particularly after the success of tools like ChatGPT. As AI’s energy demands surge, particularly with the expected doubling of data centers by 2040, Dr. Al Jaber emphasized that no single energy source will suffice to meet this demand. A diverse energy mix—encompassing renewables, LNG, nuclear energy, and advanced infrastructure—will be essential to meeting these needs sustainably.
Dr. Al Jaber also highlighted ADNOC’s strategy of international growth and investment in new technologies such as battery storage solutions, low-carbon fuels, and carbon capture. He stressed that the UAE is adapting its energy systems to respond to these global shifts, ensuring the country remains at the forefront of sustainable energy development.
The intersection of energy and AI was a central theme of Dr. Al Jaber’s address. He urged an integrated, cross-sectoral response to meet AI’s growing energy demands and leverage AI’s potential to transform energy systems. Dr. Al Jaber pointed to ADNOC’s early adoption of AI, which has already helped the company enhance efficiency, lower emissions, and drive growth. This forward-thinking approach culminated in the announcement of ENERGYai, ADNOC’s pioneering AI solution developed in partnership with AIQ, G42, and Microsoft.
ENERGYai will be the first of its kind in the energy sector, capable of autonomously analyzing vast datasets, optimizing operations, and accelerating energy production. It will significantly improve production forecasts and seismic surveys, reducing timelines and increasing accuracy by up to 90%. Dr. Al Jaber hailed this innovation as a game-changer for the energy industry, with the potential to drive global efficiency and sustainability.
He also shared key insights from the ENACT Majlis, an event held in Abu Dhabi with global leaders in energy, technology, and investment. The discussions underscored the interconnectedness of these megatrends and the urgent need for more infrastructure, investment, and enabling policies to foster sustainable growth.
Dr. Al Jaber concluded his speech by urging industry leaders to take action. “The train is leaving the station,” he warned. “What we decide now will shape our future. This is a moment that will separate leaders from those left behind.” He stressed that the energy industry, known for its resilience, must now step up to the challenge, using ADIPEC 2024 as a springboard for impactful change.
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