Abu dhabi: ADNOC, Masdar, and Microsoft have collaboratively released a groundbreaking report titled ‘Powering Possible: AI and Energy for a Sustainable Future,’ which delves into the transformative role of artificial intelligence (AI) in steering the global energy sector towards a net zero future. The report underscores AI’s capability to enhance energy efficiency, manage intricate energy systems, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and foster carbon-free energy innovations while addressing the burgeoning energy demands of AI technology itself.
According to Emirates News Agency, the report is the culmination of a comprehensive survey involving over 400 experts from various fields, including energy, technology, AI, academia, and finance. Notable figures such as Omar Al Alama, UAE Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence; Jensen Huang, CEO of NVIDIA; Larry Fink, CEO of BlackRock; Professor Anima Anandkumar of Caltech; and Patrick Pouyanné, CEO of TotalEnergies, contributed to the survey. A significant 92 pe
rcent of energy executives believe AI will greatly enhance energy efficiency by 2030, and by 2050, 97 percent anticipate AI playing a central role in developing new energy solutions. These insights highlight AI’s potential to decarbonize traditional energy sources, drive efficiency, and expedite the energy transition.
The report’s publication precedes the upcoming ENACT Majlis, a CEO assembly led by Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, Chairman of Masdar, and ADNOC Managing Director and Group CEO. The ENACT Majlis will convene 60 global leaders from technology, energy, and finance sectors in Abu Dhabi on 3rd November to explore opportunities and solutions for sustainable AI growth.
Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber remarked on the pivotal moment for human progress marked by three megatrends: the rise of the Global South, the accelerated energy transition, and AI’s rapid growth. He emphasized AI as an era-defining innovation that alters the pace of change, resetting productivity boundar
ies and progress possibilities. By addressing AI’s immediate challenges collaboratively, long-term benefits across the energy value chain can be unlocked, ensuring a sustainable future for generations.
The report emphasizes AI’s ability to mitigate methane emissions, a potent greenhouse gas. Advanced AI tools are expected to detect methane leaks with up to 20 percent greater accuracy than traditional technologies, supporting the Global Methane Pledge’s aim for a 30 percent reduction in emissions by 2030.
Brad Smith, Vice Chair and President of Microsoft, highlighted the dual challenge of embracing the AI era while transitioning to a sustainable economy. He stressed the necessity of generating more carbon-free energy to power AI and using AI technology to optimize energy capacity and access globally. Collaboration across sectors is essential to accelerate collective progress.
Additionally, the report outlines a roadmap to address the rising energy demands of AI-driven data centers, projected to nearly doubl
e their global electricity demand share by 2026. While AI’s global electricity consumption remains relatively small, certain regions, such as the European Union, may see data center demand exceed 5 percent of total regional load by 2026. The report underscores the importance of technology and energy sector collaboration to meet electricity demand sustainably.
Masdar, the UAE’s clean energy leader, emphasizes AI’s potential to revolutionize the global clean energy industry. As data centers drive global energy demand, a multifaceted approach is crucial to harness AI’s full potential sustainably.