Technology Leaders At ADIPEC Call For Coordinated Investment To Accelerate Energy Progress

On the second day of ADIPEC 2025, discussions centred on artificial intelligence (AI) and digitalisation. Leaders from energy, technology, and finance sectors emphasised the need for smarter investments to scale technologies and promote global progress. The event highlighted AI's role in enhancing energy resilience and accelerating decarbonisation, with a focus on how these advancements are actively shaping the future.

The expanded AI Zone and new Digitalisation & AI Strategic Conference programme at ADIPEC 2025 played a crucial role. These platforms brought together innovators and industry leaders to discuss technologies that boost efficiency, advance sustainability, and drive system-wide transformation. The theme 'The Technology Leap: Redefining Energy Leadership' underscored the importance of these discussions.

Dean Watson, CEO of Enersol, highlighted AI's profound impact on the energy sector during a session titled ‘Energy leaders in the age of AI’. He stated, "AI is not a side project. It’s going to be part of your core operating model. And I think, ultimately, it’s probably the biggest change management initiative that we have faced in our industry. And I think it needs real deliberate planning and focus from the top down."

Jack Hidary, CEO of SandboxAQ, shared insights on AI's influence in data centres during his session ‘Delivering more profit and a better world: AI is catalysing an energy revolution’. He noted a shift in conversations at ADIPEC compared to last year. "The AI revolution in data centres has awakened the energy industry to this phenomenon – people are open to new ideas," he said.

The new Digitalisation & AI programme at ADIPEC explored scalable solutions through applied intelligence reshaping global energy systems. In a session titled ‘The talent transformation behind Energy 5.0’, experts discussed how the convergence of the fifth industrial revolution with the energy sector affects talent development. Dr. Guy Diedrich from Cisco highlighted job market disruptions due to AI and digital technologies.

He explained that while 92 million jobs might be displaced over three years due to technology, 170 million new jobs will emerge requiring new skills. "It’s up to us to retrain those 92 million and train the other 80 million net new job seekers for the next-generation jobs," he added.

Innovations Showcased at ADIPEC

The AI Zone returned for its second year at ADIPEC in collaboration with ADNOC, offering an immersive experience focused on "AI for Energy" and "Energy for AI." Visitors engaged with interactive areas like The Intelligence Grid and Talent Hub, exploring live simulations and visual data on AI's impact on systems and sustainability.

Among innovations showcased were Mohammed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence’s robot dog Laika demonstrating AI-powered mobility, G42 Project Stargate supporting large-scale model training, and Accenture’s ‘Refinery of the Future’ simulating complex operations. Companies like AREONEX displayed oilfield monitoring drones enhancing sustainable infrastructure questions.

Olivier Oullier from Inclusive Minds discussed how AI benefits safety and productivity while preserving health. He stated that responsible AI uses advanced science to create tech with positive impacts: "We can improve safety, we can improve productivity while preserving physical and mental health."

Future Sessions at ADIPEC

ADIPEC 2025 continues until November 6th with sessions addressing hydrogen, LNG, digitalisation, and future energy systems. Over four days, it aims to turn dialogue into delivery by fostering partnerships that drive inclusive progress swiftly and sustainably.

With inputs from WAM