ADNOC And Masdar Collaborate With Microsoft To Enhance AI Deployment And Low-Carbon Initiatives

ADNOC and Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar) have entered into a Strategic Collaboration Agreement (SCA) with Microsoft. This partnership focuses on artificial intelligence (AI) and low-carbon initiatives both in the UAE and globally. The aim is to decarbonise current energy systems while paving the way for sustainable energy solutions in the future. The announcement was made during ADIPEC, currently held in Abu Dhabi.

The collaboration will explore powering Microsoft's data centres with renewable energy through Masdar, where ADNOC holds a stake. Additionally, AI will be utilised to advance carbon capture and storage projects, alongside low-carbon ammonia and hydrogen initiatives. These efforts are part of the SCA's broader goals.

The agreement also aims to accelerate AI deployment across ADNOC's operations. This will enhance efficiencies, support methane reduction aligned with the Oil & Gas Decarbonisation Charter, and strengthen biodiversity monitoring to protect the environment better. The goal is to achieve near-zero methane emissions by 2030.

Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, ADNOC Managing Director and Group CEO, and Chairman of Masdar, stated: "We are at a pivotal moment for human progress driven by three megatrends, the rise of the global south, the accelerated energy transformation, and the rapid growth of AI." He emphasised AI's role in redefining productivity boundaries.

The SCA follows the release of "Powering Possible: AI and Energy for a Sustainable Future," a report co-authored by ADNOC, Masdar, and Microsoft. This report calls for increased collaboration between technology and energy sectors to leverage AI in accelerating energy transitions. The ENACT Majlis event further highlighted this need among over 70 global leaders.

Brad Smith, Vice Chair and President of Microsoft, remarked: "This new era calls on us to do two things at once: meet the AI moment while transitioning to a more sustainable economy." He stressed generating more carbon-free energy to power AI while expanding access globally.

Impact on Carbon Emissions

Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, CEO of Masdar, noted that AI would significantly aid in speeding up the energy transition. He expressed eagerness to work with partners like ADNOC and Microsoft to harness AI's potential in delivering clean energy solutions for future data centres.

ADNOC's commitment to achieving Net Zero by 2045 includes using AI solutions effectively. Between 2022 and 2023, these tools helped reduce carbon dioxide emissions by one million tonnes while generating $500 million (AED1.84 billion) in value during 2023 alone.

This strategic collaboration marks a significant step towards integrating advanced technologies into sustainable practices within the energy sector. By focusing on renewable resources and innovative solutions like AI, these companies aim to contribute positively towards global environmental goals.

With inputs from WAM