Sultan Al Jaber Calls For Unified Action On AI And Energy At Atlantic Council Global Energy Forum

Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, Managing Director and Group CEO of ADNOC, and Executive Chairman of XRG, has urged collaboration across energy, technology, finance, and policy sectors to seize the investment potential of artificial intelligence (AI). Speaking at the Atlantic Council Global Energy Forum in Washington DC, he described AI as a pivotal stage in human advancement that demands significant changes in energy policy and infrastructure.

Dr. Al Jaber highlighted that AI's growing power needs present a unique investment opportunity. He emphasised that meeting these demands requires a comprehensive shift involving energy, technology, finance, and policy working together. He noted that a single new data centre can consume as much electricity as a city like Pittsburgh.

The US might need 50–150 gigawatts of additional capacity by 2030 to support AI advancements. This is equivalent to the energy consumption of several large cities. Dr. Al Jaber stressed that current global energy systems are unprepared for this demand surge.

He proposed a roadmap developed with XRG, MGX, and the Atlantic Council to address these challenges. The plan includes expedited permitting processes, modernised grids, and strategic investments in gas, nuclear power, and renewable energy sources.

Dr. Al Jaber underscored the significance of partnerships in unlocking AI's potential. He mentioned the UAE-US "powerhouse partnership" across various sectors as an example. "For us, the United States is not just a partner—it’s an investment imperative," he stated.

The UAE collaborates with US companies across 18 states and 50 facilities in areas ranging from gas to chemicals to energy infrastructure. XRG plays a key role in Texas's largest LNG facility while Masdar has developed 5.5GW of operational capacity nationwide.

Modernising Power Delivery

Modernising power delivery systems is crucial for meeting future demands. Dr. Al Jaber pointed out that delays in obtaining key components like transformers hinder industrial growth. "Wait times for key components like transformers can exceed three years," he noted.

He called for reforms in permitting processes and workforce development to overcome these bottlenecks. Training one million new electricians for modern grids is essential to ensure efficient power delivery.

Regional Stability and Security

Addressing Middle Eastern regional stability, Dr. Al Jaber reaffirmed the UAE's commitment to dialogue and diplomacy in resolving disputes. He urged all parties to respect state sovereignty and adhere to international law.

The Role of AI in Energy Management

AI can play a vital role in managing energy systems more efficiently. Dr. Al Jaber advocated for using AI's potential to optimise existing generation capacity and modernise grid infrastructure.

The newly published roadmap titled "Powering the Next Great Leap in Human Progress" outlines opportunities for addressing immediate energy surges from AI-driven data centres while guiding long-term investments for smarter energy systems.

A Call for Coordinated Action

"To realise the full power of AI, we must give it the power it needs," Dr. Al Jaber concluded his remarks by calling for coordinated efforts globally. He emphasised the need for policies that facilitate progress rather than hinder it.

The ENACT Forum convened leaders from various sectors to advance cross-sector action agendas aimed at meeting AI-driven power demand efficiently while accelerating infrastructure investment at scale.

With inputs from WAM