Uniting for accelerated progress: transforming energy, embracing AI, and championing global economic growth

The next decade will be defined by three transformative forces: the transformation of the global energy system, the emergence of new growth economies with their increasing demand for energy, and the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI), which not only has huge demand for energy, but has transformative potential when deployed in the energy sector. These megatrends are reshaping industries and societies at an unprecedented pace.

At ADNOC, and throughout the UAE, we embrace these forces as opportunities and welcome them with open minds, bold innovation, and new partnerships to drive growth, diversification, and decarbonisation.

It is with this mindset we welcome the global leaders in energy and technology to ADIPEC 2024. It provides a pivotal platform for the global community to unite and accelerate the progress needed to transform our energy systems. A transformation that is not just about energy but about powering human progress, technological advancement, and global prosperity. That is why it is the defining opportunity and challenge of our time: we must secure the sustainable energy needed to grow economies, improve lives, and drive breakthroughs — all while drastically reducing emissions.

AI is proving to be a powerful tool in achieving this goal. Its potential to revolutionise how we produce, distribute, and consume energy cannot be understated. By optimising supply chains, improving efficiency, and minimising losses, AI helps create smarter, more resilient energy systems. For example, AI can help manage electricity grids more effectively, ensuring energy is delivered precisely where and when it is needed, reducing waste, and improving reliability. Furthermore, AI’s capacity to analyse massive datasets and predict trends can lead to more informed, strategic decision-making in energy management.

Yet, integrating AI into the energy sector is not without its challenges. Both because of the barriers and concerns to deploying new technologies in complex systems, as well as because the rapid growth of AI technologies has significantly increased energy consumption. Since 2019, emissions from major AI companies have risen by approximately 30%, and by 2030, energy demand from data centers is expected to at least triple. This intensifying demand underscores the intricate connection between AI and the energy sector: AI requires energy to operate, and energy systems increasingly rely on AI to enhance efficiency and reliability.

ADIPEC has long served as a unique platform for bringing together diverse voices from across industries and regions to foster collaboration. In 2024, this collaboration will be more critical than ever. ADIPEC 2024 will spotlight how AI and other emerging technologies can create more efficient, resilient, and sustainable energy systems. Importantly, we aim not only to discuss these technologies but to showcase their real-world applications and the tangible benefits they can deliver.

Looking back at ADIPEC 2023, we witnessed the power of this platform. It wasn’t just the record attendance or the billions of dollars in deals that defined its success. ADIPEC 2023 created a platform for global leadership, galvanising the energy sector to act with urgency. The theme “Decarbonising. Faster. Together.” was more than a tagline — it was a global call to action. In response to the challenge posed by His Excellency Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, ADIPEC attendees from individuals to industries committed to being part of the solution. The event demonstrated the power of an inclusive approach, where no industry is left behind, and where decarbonisation technologies and bold targets were shared openly.

As we approach ADIPEC’s 40th year in 2024, we must continue this momentum. ADIPEC 2024 will be a place where we show progress on the commitments made last year and lay out clear action plans for the future. Beyond that, it will also be a celebration of energy’s central role in driving economic growth, empowering communities, and fostering technological innovation. The stories shared, partnerships forged, and commitments made at this event will shape the future of energy, ensuring that we address the energy trilemma of sustainability, security, and accessibility head-on.

This November in Abu Dhabi, let us come together to spark new ideas, explore innovative solutions, and celebrate the vast potential that AI and other emerging technologies offer for the future of energy. Together, we can drive the global energy agenda forward — with greater speed, unity, and a shared commitment to creating a sustainable, resilient, and prosperous future for all.