ADSW 2025 opens with focus on energy transformation and AI
His Excellency Dr Sultan Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Chairman of Masdar officially opened the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) today. The UAE’s transformative moment, said Dr Jaber, is the "Nexus of Next," driven by the growth of AI.
“Battery storage is the fastest growing energy technology in the world today. A record 100GW of storage will be added to the grid this year. Yet, this represents a tiny fraction of the overall power demand that is being driven by the megatrends, and especially the surge in AI,” he said. “The Nexus of Next means putting people at the heart of progress,” he concluded.
Innovations
Harnessing digital technologies
IRENA Innovation Day on Digitalisation and AI for the Energy Transition, which took place on 14 January, brought together a diverse mix of policymakers and innovators from the region and internationally, to explore how digitalisation – using technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), Big Data and Digital Twins – can accelerate the energy transition.
Giving a keynote address, Dr Roland Roesch, Director of the IRENA Innovation and Technology Centre in Bonn, said, “Digitalisation is a key enabler and accelerator of this transformation, enabling real time decision making, enhancing operational operational efficiency and creating new opportunities for energy consumers and producers alike.”
Renewable energy
Addressing intermittency
Masdar and EWEC announced the world’s first gigascale 24/7 renewable energy project at the World Future Energy Summit. The solution, which addresses the issue of intermittency, combines solar power and battery storage to deliver green, uninterrupted energy 24/7, cementing the UAE’s position as a leader and pioneer in advanced technology and renewable energy.
“Energy and sustainability are not opposing forces. They are essential partners.”
Water
Tackling water scarcity
H.E. Eng. Ahmed Al Kaabi, Undersecretary Assistant for Electricity, Water & Future Energy Sector, Ministry of Energy & Infrastructure, UAE, kicked off the Water Conference by emphasising the criticality of this topic which has become “one of the most important national priority issues.”
“Managing the resource nexus effectively is key to ensuring long-term sustainability and securing the world's water, energy, and food needs in the face of growing demand and climate challenges,” he added. “The UAE is working toward addressing water-energy-food challenges through integrated resources planning, circular economy approaches, and investing in innovative solutions to ensure equitable access to water, energy, and food for its present and future generations.”
His Excellency Dr Sultan Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Chairman of Masdar gave the keynote address on the opening day
CLIX Knowledge Partner Supported by
“We are dedicated to accelerating the UAE's energy transformation by providing integrated solar, storage, and hydrogen solutions that enhance energy resilience and sustainability.”
Vincent Wu, Global Sales Vice-President and MEA MU Head at Trinasolar
NEWS: Women in energy
EcoWASTE 2025 to drive regional waste management innovation
The 11th EcoWASTE Exhibition and Forum has returned to the World Future Energy Summit in order to advance sustainable waste management strategies and solutions.
A key focus will is the COP29 declaration, supported by over 30 nations, which aims to reduce methane emissions from organic waste in line with the Global Methane Pledge to cut emissions by 30% by 2030.
Underlining the potential of EcoWASTE, Tadweer Group has regained its strategic partnership with the event. “Tadweer Group’s mission is to redefine waste as a valuable resource by leveraging cuttingedge technology and fostering global collaboration to drive sustainable progress,” commented Ali Al Dhaheri, Managing Director and CEO of Tadweer Group. “Our role as a strategic sponsor of this renowned platform for over a decade reflects our unwavering commitment to this vision.
“By transforming waste challenges into opportunities, we can emphasise that innovation and collaboration are key to unlocking a sustainable future. At EcoWASTE 2025, we aim to accelerate technological advancements, strengthen international partnerships, and reaffirm our dedication to global growth. Together, we will champion waste as a vital alternative resource which plays a pivotal role in achieving a net zero world.”
The EcoWASTE exhibition features gamechanging exhibitors and disruptors.
The forum is exploring policies and technologies to address critical waste challenges, including landfill diversion and circular economy integration. To do so, a range of keynote sessions, panel discussions, and technology showcases are being run in order to emphasise emerging solutions such as artificial intelligence, automation, and blockchain for efficient waste management.
Trinasolar showcases innovations
EcoWASTE 2025 is further serving to highlight the Middle East and North African region’s commitment to achieving 100% landfill diversion and increasing waste recycling and composting to 77% by 2035. Further, it aims to inspire innovation and collaboration among policymakers, industry leaders, and innovators to create actionable solutions for a sustainable future.
Trinasolar, a global leader in photovoltaic modules and energy storage solutions, is making its mark at the World Future Energy Summit.
The company is debuting Trina Green Hydrogen in the Middle East and Africa, featuring the advanced The-One Series Alkaline Electrolyzer. This launch supports the UAE’s Hydrogen Leadership Roadmap and aligns with the country’s Net Zero by 2050 ambitions, solidifying Trinasolar’s commitment to clean energy innovation. A standout moment will be Trinasolar’s involvement in Egypt’s Abydos Solar PV Project, where it will supply over 300MWh of its Elementa 2 energy storage platform. This initiative, Africa’s largest solar PV project and Egypt’s first utility-scale battery energy storage solution, demonstrates Trinasolar’s pivotal role in shaping MENA’s renewable energy landscape.
Visitors to Trinasolar’s stand can explore cutting-edge solar technologies, including the high-performance Vertex series powered by n-type i-TOPCon technology. These modules are deployed in notable regional projects like the Al Dhafra Solar PV Plant in Abu Dhabi and Saudi Arabia’s Jubail Desalination Plant. Also on display are the TrinaTracker Vanguard 1P, Trina Storage Elementa 2, and Trinabot—an innovative cleaning robot designed for dust-heavy environments like the UAE.
Trinasolar’s innovations are set to shape the future of clean energy in MENA.
"We help organisations walk their sustainability talk, from carbon emission measurement to net zero achievements.”
Jessica Scopacasa, Co-Founder and CMO, Olive Gaia
E-MOBILIY: Latest trends
Driving innovation for the energy transition
Giving a keynote address at the IRENA Innovation Day, Dr Roland Roesch, Director of the IRENA Innovation and Technology Centre in Bonn, stressed that digital transformation is not a one size fits all solution.
“The reality needs of energy systems vary significantly between the global north and global south. So too must the digital solutions we deploy, with different digital solutions for each country.
“In developed countries, digitalisation is often driven by the need for greater efficiency, grid flexibility and market integration, and advanced economies are exploring solutions such as virtual power plants, artificial intelligence, and blockchain for peer-topeer trading. These technologies are reshaping the way energy is produced, distributed and consumed in highly interconnected systems. In contrast, many countries in the global south have limited grid infrastructure and off-grid communities. In Africa for example, 700 million people have no access to any kind of sustainable form of energy. Here, digital solutions are catalysts for energy access and social development, from enabling minigrids powered by renewables to facilitating mobile payment systems for energy services.
“As digitalisation accelerates we must ensure these technologies do not widen the gap between the developing countries and emerging economies but also serve as a tool to bridge it.
“These considerations will guide our discussions as we explore how to harness the power of digital
Global Green Innovation
innovation to drive a cleaner and more sustainable future. It is not just about technology, it is about creating enabling frameworks to utilise the technologies and create pathways for communities, industries and government to accelerate the energy transition and stride into a net zero world.”
Aaesha Alnuaimi, Global Green Innovation Initiatives Lead at the World Green Economy Organization (WGEO), highlighted the UAE’s commitment to leveraging digital solutions as a driver for economic resilience and sustainability, noting the UAE’s leadership in AI adoption.
“Digital technologies such as AI and the Internet of
Masdar’s Y4S Hub highlights STEM and AI
4
Things are transforming renewable energy by improving grid stability and reliability, optimising energy storage and enhancing the integration of renewable energy sources. The UAE plans to expand its renewable energy capacity to 14GW by 2030, and integrating digital solutions will play a critical role in achieving this target.
“Let us reaffirm our shared commitment to leveraging digital solutions and innovation to drive an inclusive and sustainable energy transition. Through collaboration and innovation we can accelerate this effort to a green economy, ensuring prosperity for all while meeting the urgent challenges of climate change.”
until
An initiative by Masdar, Y4S highlights youth innovation, science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) skills in sustainability, community involvement and international representation. The programme will explore how young people can use artificial intelligence to develop climate solutions.
Mohamed Al Ramahi, CEO, Masdar, said, “Since 2016, Youth 4 Sustainability has empowered tens of thousands of young people to take a more active role in shaping a sustainable future, in alignment with the UAE’s mission to advance youth leadership.
“The Y4S Hub at ADSW 2025 will provide a platform to connect young voices globally with governments, industry leaders and civil society to enable them to play a meaningful role in driving social, economic and environmental progress. By equipping the next generation with the skills, knowledge and networks they need, Y4S is helping to shape the global sustainability leaders of tomorrow.”
The Youth
Sustainability (Y4S) Hub has commenced at Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) 2025, and will be on
16 January, under the patronage of Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council.
Aaesha Alnuaimi,
Initiatives Lead at the World Green Economy Organization (WGEO), gave a welcoming address at the IRENA Innovation Day.
The even will focus on the role of youth in shaping a sustainable future.
“Africa's
leadership is paving the way for a sustainable energy future on the continent and around the world.”
William Asiko, Vice President and Head of The Rockefeller Foundation's Africa Regional Office
IRENA INNOVATION
DAY: What’s on the agenda?
No net zero without female participation
The Pathways to 1.5C Conference opened with a dedicated all-female panel discussion led by Isabel O’Brien, Editor of Privitas. O’Brien was joined by an accomplished panel of women who are blazing a trail within a largely male-dominated industry and who began by reflecting on some of the industryspecific challenges they have faced
“I used to say that I could write a book on this, but actually I think I could write a whole series of books,” said Beena Sharma, CEO and Co-Founder CCU International. “The challenges do not ever really stop, but these have really been the catalyst for what I do. Every time somebody tells me there is something that I can’t do, shouldn’t do, or wouldn’t be able to do, I am even more determined to prove them wrong.”
For Nawel Mahmoudi, Co-Founder and CEO of ValueGrid, at the start of her career in the oil and gas industry she met many people who had not encountered young Arab women and this came with a fair amount of questioning. For her, it was a question of being confident and holding her own while learning her trade by asking the right, challenging questions.
Meanwhile, Alicia Eastman, Managing Director of APC Investors, added that diversity is crucial to a successful company. While she remarked that the variations within genders is greater than the variations between them, she explained that incorporating a wide range of people will add diverse thinking and result in a company that is more in touch with its customer base. Ensuring that everyone has a seat at the table and has the ability
to climb up “is definitely necessary for us to solve the problem that is standing before us of global warming,” she added.
The discourse also touched on what men can do in the industry to prioritise women’s inclusion. For Sharma, this has (or should) now evolved beyond ‘allies’ to ‘change makers’. “We need decision makers to make the choices that are going to make the difference for women in this industry, and that is the one thing that is not happening fast enough.”
Among some of the suggestions on this topic provided by Eastman, was for employers to cut off the names of resumes and make judgements without the gender bias in play.
Another standout point from the session was made by Sharma who noted that “we are told that around 50% of technologies that we need to get us to net
zero have either not been invented, or are sitting at early stage. If we do not take those technologies and we don’t encourage women to take part in that, we are potentially missing out. We cannot get to net zero without the whole population behind it, and that is what I call an opportunity.”
And this net zero opportunity is a significant one, given the fact that as a relatively new field, it presents an equal playing field When she joined the oil and gas industry, Sharma explained that she was largely up against middle-aged, white men who had years many years of experience. However, now it is very rare you find someone with that kind of experience in carbon capture, for example. “So this is the time, particularly if you want women to be counted, because the opportunities are there. Do not leave it for five or ten years because then you will be up against male counterparts who have taken that experience.”
Plugging the green hydrogen gap
On the first day of the World Future Energy Summit 2025 a buzz of excitement could be heard from the Green Hydrogen Innovation Hub where startups and SMEs across the sector were manning their stands and building relationships with the numerous stakeholders that stopped by.
Here could be found the likes of H2MOF, a company that according to Magnus Bach, Vice President, business development at H2MOF, has identified a technology gap in the green hydrogen market in storage and transportation and set a mission to develop solutions that work under ambient temperatures and low pressure. “We are not relying on either high pressure storage nor cryogenic liquid storage technologies,” Bach explained. “Both technologies are associated with safety concerns that can be mitigated, but also a huge amount of energy consumption as well as leakages or boil offs to the point that 15-40% of the energy stored in hydrogen is actually being cannibalised by the process itself, so it is really inefficient.”
H2MOF’s answer lies in nano-engineered materials that attract hydrogen molecules towards nanoscale cavities of the material. The bonding retains the hydrogen molecules inside the novel materials, while allowing for release when required. This technology will enable low pressure storage; ambient temperature storage; fast charge and discharge rates; and safe and efficient storage. The company is looking for partners to help bring the technology to market, an ambition Bach is aiming to fulfil at the event this year.
The panellists explored some of the strategies and projects led by women that are shaping the energy landscape.
The Green Hydrogen Innovation Hub.
“Digital technologies like AI and Interet of Things are transforming renewable energy.”
Aaesha Alnuaimi, Global Green Innovation Initiatives Lead, World Green Economy Organization
NEWS: IRENA Innovation Day
Navigating the challenges of autonomous vehicle deployment
A panel discussion at the World Future Energy Summit today shed light on the unique challenges faced by local authorities and industry players as they work to bring self-driving cars to the streets.
Moderated by Antonio Semeraro, Principle, AD Little, the conversation provided a comprehensive overview of the technology shaping this development.
One of the primary hurdles highlighted was the need to adapt existing infrastructure to accommodate autonomous vehicles. Zhengxiong Yang, Mobility Solution Architecture Lead, Bayanat, shared his experiences deploying an "L4 robot taxi" fleet in the region, noting that "human beings are actually part of the infrastructure."
He described issues with traffic controllers at the airport, who did not always follow proper protocols, causing disruptions to the autonomous vehicles.
The importance of robust vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication was also emphasised. Dr. Fethi Filali, Director of Technology & Research (CTO), Qatar Mobility Innovations Center, explained, "V2X is extremely important" as it can provide "additional sensor data to autonomous vehicles," helping to improve safety and reduce accidents.
However, he acknowledged that not all use cases require V2X, stating that in "controlled environment
and perfect environment" some senior-level autonomous vehicles can operate without it.
Addressing consumer acceptance was another key challenge discussed. Frans Hiemstra, Regional General Manager, MEA of Uber, acknowledged the need to "build trust" with users, saying the company wants to "expose consumers to the technology" and ensure they feel comfortable with the experience. He shared that Uber's approach includes providing clear information to riders about
the autonomous nature of the vehicle before they accept the trip.
As cities like Abu Dhabi continue to push forward with autonomous vehicle deployments, the panellists emphasised the importance of collaboration between industry, government, and the public. Dr. Filali noted that for autonomous vehicles to be integrated for the consumer, it will be crucial to address the unique infrastructure and regulatory requirements.
Simplifying sustainability for organisations
Dubai-based climate tech company Olive Gaea is revolutionising the way organisations approach sustainability. It has been selected by CLIX to showcase its technologies at the World Future Energy Summit.
Co-Founder and Chief Marketing Officer, Jessica Scopacasa, explained the company's mission is to streamline complex processes like carbon emission measurement and decarbonisation.
"Usually when a medium-sized organisation needs to do their carbon footprint assessment, it looks at thousands of data points," Scopacasa said. "With our tool, we have reduced the length of this process from several months to weeks, and we also improve accuracy."
Olive Gaea's focus on supplier engagement and data quality is a key differentiator. As Scopacasa noted, "70 or even more percent of emissions are generated from the supply chain itself."
By automating data collection and analysis, the company helps organisations make informed decisions about their partnerships. “Whenever there are data gaps, or suppliers don't have the data to be provided, we fill those data gaps with the highest possible data quality, and then we help rate suppliers as well,” remarked Scopacasa.
From left to right: Antonio Semeraro, Principle, AD Little; Frans Hiemstra, Regional General Manager, MEA, Uber; Dr. Fethi Filali, Director of Technology & Research (CTO), Qatar Mobility Innovations Center; Zhengxiong (Maso) Yang, Mobility Solution Architecture Lead, Bayanat.
The team at Olive Gaea helps organisations with tracking their ESG goals.
By fostering innovation, scaling homegrown technologies and leveraging transformative solutions, such as AI and electric mobility, we can explore new opportunities for sustainable growth.”
Dr. Yahya Anouti, Sustainability Leader at PwC Middle East
E-mobility in the Middle East: a transformative shift
The Middle East is embracing emobility as a critical strategy in achieving its sustainability and decarbonisation goals. With investments in electric vehicle (EV) technologies accelerating across the region, governments and private entities are fostering innovation and laying the groundwork for a sustainable future.
The UAE has positioned itself as a regional leader in e-mobility adoption, setting ambitious targets under its National Electric Vehicles Policy. By 2050, the country aims for 50% of all vehicles on the road to be electric or hybrid. As of late 2023, Dubai had already registered 25,929 EVs, a significant jump from 15,100 the previous year. Abu Dhabi follows suit, with over 2,400 EVs on its roads and plans to expand its EV charging infrastructure by 2030. The Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) also plans to increase the number of Green Chargers from 370 in 2023 to 1,000 by 2025.
E-Mobility: What’s being discussed?
Saudi Arabia, another major player, plans to invest US$39bn by 2030 to build a domestic EV manufacturing industry. This aligns with its Vision 2030 goals of economic diversification and net zero emissions. Across the region, the market for EVs is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 9.07%, with the MENA market expected to reach 45,000 units by 2026.
Despite impressive strides, challenges remain. EVs account for only 1.3% of total vehicles in the UAE, reflecting the nascent stage of adoption. Furthermore, with a current rollout of approximately 2,000 public chargers, the gap between infrastructure demand and supply is stark. By 2035, demand for public charge points is forecast to reach 45,000, underscoring the urgent need for accelerated infrastructure investment.
E-mobility could significantly reduce carbon
While regions like Europe, China, and the USA have scaled EV adoption through various incentives, there’s immense potential for similar measures to accelerate the UAE's transition to sustainable mobility.
Roberto Colucci Director of Electric Vehicles at AW
Rostamani and Zeekr UAE.
emissions in the region. PwC estimates that the UAE’s CO2 emissions could be reduced by over 10% by 2035 if the EV adoption targets are met. Technological advancements are also contributing, with AI playing a pivotal role in real-time traffic management and autonomous mobility. The World Future Energy Summit will further explore these advancements through its eMobility Forum, showcasing solutions for sustainable cities and urban transport.
Incentives such as free registration, reduced tolls, and exclusive parking for EV owners are driving adoption. Local manufacturing is gaining traction, with Abu Dhabi and Sharjah hosting new assembly plants and recycling facilities for EV batteries. However, overcoming initial cost barriers and addressing consumer concerns like range anxiety will be essential for mass adoption.
With strategic investments, supportive policies, and continued innovation, the region is set to become a hub for sustainable transportation and a global leader in e-mobility transformation.
“While regions like Europe, China, and the USA have scaled EV adoption through various incentives – such as preferential toll tariffs, exclusive EV lanes, dedicated parking, robust charging infrastructure, and tax deductions – there’s immense potential for similar measures to accelerate the UAE's transition to sustainable mobility. If we look back to 2015, anywhere between 50 and 80 vehicles were imported in a year. In 2024, total import figures will likely hit 20,000, and a projected 30,000 by the end of next year. There is a clear appetite for demand as the end users are really starting to understand the benefits of EV adoption,” said Roberto Colucci, Director of Electric Vehicles at AW
Rostamani
and Zeekr UAE.
While China is the global leader in EV sales, the UAE was last year first in the region and ranked seventh globally in the EV readiness index.
“AI is poised to be a transformative technology for the energy sector, with the potential to accelerate innovation, improve efficiency and security, and speed up energy transitions.”
Fatih Birol, Executive Director, IEA
Unleashing possibilities through AI
ADNOC, Masdar and Microsoft have released a report exploring the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in the global energy sector.
AI can play a transformative role in accelerating the transition to a net-zero energy system, industry stalwarts are driving research studies to identify the best ways to leverage AI for maximum benefit of the energy sector. By harnessing AI’s capabilities, from methane reduction to grid resilience, the energy and technology sectors can address growing energy demands and drive an inclusive transformation.
“As the UAE’s renewable energy champion...Masdar has a proven track record in pioneering clean energy projects for nearly two decades. But AI has changed the game, and it represents one of the greatest opportunities to transform the global clean energy industry in history. AI – and the data centres it requires – will serve as an increasingly important driver of global energy demand.
“Meeting this demand sustainably will require a multifaceted approach, and it is up to all of us to work together to unleash its full potential and build a more sustainable future,” said Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, Chief Executive Officer, Masdar.
ADNOC, Masdar and Microsoft have recently
PATHWAY TO 1.5: What’s on the agenda?
AI holds immense potential in advancing net zero goals for the global energy industry.
released a report titled, ‘Powering Possible: AI and Energy for a Sustainable Future’ that highlights the potential of AI in advancing net-zero goals for the global energy industry.
The report is backed by the insights of more than 400 experts across industries, including Omar Al Alama, UAE Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence; Jensen Huang, Chief Executive Officer of NVIDIA; Larry Fink, CEO of BlackRock; Anima Anadkumar, Professor at Caltech; and Patrick Pouyanné, Chief Executive Officer of TotalEnergies. While the majority of those surveyed believe that AI will be driving the advent of new energies, 92% of
AI – and the data centres it requires - will serve as an increasingly important driver of global energy demand.
Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi CEO, Masdar
the energy executives agree with AI’s undeniable role in boosting energy efficiency by 2030.
“We are at a pivotal moment for human progress driven by three megatrends: the rise of the Global South, the accelerated energy transition and the rapid growth of AI,” said Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, Chairman of Masdar and ADNOC Managing Director and Group Chief Executive Officer.
“AI is an era-defining innovation that is altering the pace of change itself – resetting the boundaries of productivity and the possibilities of progress. But in doing so, it is also creating a power surge that nobody accounted for just 18 months ago.
“By collaborating to solve AI’s near-term challenges, we can also unlock AI’s long-term benefits across the energy value chain, helping to secure a sustainable and prosperous future for generations to come.”
The report also lays emphasis on AI’s capacity to cut down methane emissions, which are 80 times more harmful for the environment than carbon dioxide. Advanced AI tools are equipped to address this issue, providing comparatively much higher accuracy in leak detection than via traditional means.
“In the last few years, we have clearly noticed a paradigm shift in the investment priority attached to renewable energy Fazle Moyeen Quazi,President, MESIA
“This new era calls on us to do two things at once: meet the AI moment while transitioning to a more sustainable economy. In a world that will need more electricity, not less, it's imperative that we generate more carbon-free energy to power AI and use that very same technology to increase capacity, optimise transmission, and expand energy access to communities around the world.
“This isn’t a journey any of us can take alone. It requires working across technology, energy, science, and policy sectors to find solutions and accelerate ourcollective progress,” said Brad Smith, Vice Chair and President, Microsoft.
According to Peng Xiao, Group Chief Executive Officer of G42, AI will be the catalyst for transforming energy systems globally. By harnessing advanced AI solutions, we can expand energy access, accelerate economic development, and enable adopting nations to spearhead the worldwide shift toward sustainable energy practices. This integration promises not only to optimise current systems but also to innovate new pathways for environmental stewardship and energy efficiency
Addressing the growing demand of AI technology in the energy sector due to its incredible optimisation and emissions reduction capabilities, this paper by the three industry majors highlights seven key areas which can foster collaboration between the energy and technology sectors to advance the clean energy transition:
Cross-sector partnerships
Sectoral initiatives such as the First Movers Coalition and the Oil and Gas Decarbonisation
EXHIBITOR LIST: Who’s at the show?
The close interaction between energy and AI marks a transformative moment in our pursuit of a sustainable future.
Omar Al Olama Minister of State, Ministry of AI, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications Office
Charter are advancing best industry practices. The industry is also witnessing commercial partnerships and joint ventures such as Microsoft’s investment in G42 to foster information sharing and expert exchanges.
Investing in AI
Factors such as reducing methane emissions, utilising carbon capture and storage, building a resilient grid and tripling the availability of renewable energy form integral areas for today’s energy sector. These can be made possible with consistent investments in AI.
“The close interaction between energy and AI marks a transformative moment in our pursuit of a sustainable future. By harnessing the power of AI to optimise energy systems, we can accelerate the global transition to net-zero, while driving innovation, improving efficiency, and ensuring that clean energy is accessible
to all,” said Omar Al Olama, Minister of State, Ministry of AI, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications Office. “This is not just an opportunity—it's a responsibility we must embrace to secure a prosperous future for generations to come.”
Larry Fink, Chairman and CEO of BlackRock, believes that private capital will be key requirement for financing AI infrastructure.
Supporting grid capacity
Given that electricity grids need to be able to support 80 million kms of networks by 2040 to meet growing demand and diverse energy supply, the application of AI is imperative.
Building workforce capacity
About 78% of leaders who took the survey considers that upskilling needs to be adressed for a seamless integration of the energy and technology industries.
Only with a proper grasp on how energy systems work can technology companies apply AI solutions. On the other hand, energy companies must train their labour force to facilitate successful AI implementation across the value chain
AI for emerging economies
AI is required to support the rapid growth of data centres in the developing countries, which are set to lead electricity demand by 80% by 2050.
Setting data standards
For AI to work efficiently across the energy system, it is important to set a unified workflow for uninterrupted data flow. The lack of a seamless setup can adversely affect decision making.
Impactful policy frameworks for AI
Expert collaborations in AI across sectors can facilitate greater impact, influencing policies and advancing social justice.
Upskilling is important for a seamless integration of the energy and technology industries.
"The
The Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is a key initiative under the UAE Integrated Waste Management Agenda 2023-2026 and marks a significant step toward achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals.”
Her Excellency Eng. Alia Abdul Rahim Al Harmoudi, Assistant Undersecretary for the Sustainable Communities Sector, MOCCAE
OUR SUPPORTERS: Partners and Sponsors
Driving down methane emissions
Encouraging progress is being made in reducing methane emissions - but more needs to be done.
Human-caused methane emissions are responsible for roughly a third of the planet’s current warming, according to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). Reducing these emissions is the fastest, most cost-effective way to slow global warming in the near-term – and is essential to avert worsening climate damages, it says.
The energy sector accounts for around a third of anthropogenic methane emissions, according to the IEA. Following the launch of the Oil & Gas Decarbonisation Charter (OGDC) at COP28, which commits signatories to achieving near-zero methane emissions by 2030 and ending routine flaring, oil and gas companies are accelerating efforts to track, monitor and control their methane emissions.
TotalEnergies, for example, has announced that the company will be deploying continuous, real-time detection equipment at all of its operated Upstream sites by end-2025, enabling real-time identification of methane emissions, and taking immediate corrective actions to stop them. It will use technologies such as loT2 sensors, InfraRed cameras, flowmeters and Predictive Emissions Monitoring Systems on combustion sources. The company is set to meet this year its target to reduce emissions by 50% compared to 2020, as a result of numerous initiatives, including the deployment of its AUSEA drone campaigns. Meanwhile, ADNOC is aiming for a methane intensity target of 0.15% by 2025, saying that key to this is piloting and deploying the latest leak detection technologies such as satellite imaging, aerial drones and robotic inspectors equipped with advanced imaging
Reducing methane emissions is essential to avoid further climate damage.
sensors and laser dispersion spectroscopy.
The IMEO’s Methane Alert and Response System (MARS), a data-driven system that identifies major methane leaks, has seen some positive results. In 2024, IMEO verified action to reduce emissions from major leaks in Azerbaijan and the United States. In Algeria and Nigeria, MARS notifications and engagement led to direct action from the governments and oil and gas companies to
“To have any chance of getting global warming under control, methane emissions must come down, and come down fast.”
Inger
Anderson UNEP Executive Director
address large methane leaks, which in the Algerian case had taken place for years. In Nigeria, the sixmonth leak was fixed in under two weeks by replacing faulty equipment.
However, the IMEO reports that, while the system’s capabilities and notifications have grown, response and action by operators and governments has not kept pace. “To have any chance of getting global warming under control, methane emissions must come down, and come down fast,” said Inger Andersen, UNEP Executive Director. “ The tools are ready, the targets are set – now it is time to act.”
Over the past year, progress has also been made in addressing methane emissions in the waste sector, another major source of such emissions.
More than 30 countries signed the COP29 Reducing Methane from Organic Waste Declaration, which commits signatories to include ambitious waste actions as part of their NDC submissions. The declaration further encourages using data to drive action in the waste sector, stepping up ambition on finance, and fostering innovative partnerships.
