Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and CEO of Adnoc emphasised the need for collaboration among energy, technology, finance, and policy sectors to seize the unprecedented investment opportunities presented by artificial intelligence (AI).

Speaking at the Atlantic Council Global Energy Forum in Washington, DC, he described AI as a crucial evolution in human capability, one that demands a transformative approach to energy policy, investment, and infrastructure.

Dr. Al Jaber highlighted the substantial energy requirements of AI breakthroughs, stating, "Every AI breakthrough consumes more power. And right now, global energy systems are not ready."

He noted that the US might need an additional 50–150 gigawatts of capacity by 2030, which is comparable to the energy consumption of numerous major cities. To address this, he proposed a comprehensive roadmap for enhancing energy systems, developed in collaboration with XRG and the Atlantic Council, advocating for faster permitting, updated grids, and strategic investments in gas, nuclear, and renewable energy.

He underscored the urgency of modernising power delivery, pointing out significant delays that hinder industrial growth. "Permitting delays and supply chain bottlenecks are threats to progress," he said, stressing the need for policy to facilitate, not obstruct, advancements.

Dr. Al Jaber also pointed to the growing partnership between the UAE and the US, noting that American companies are vital partners in the UAE’s energy sector. He asserted, "For us, the US is not just a partner – it’s an investment imperative."

 He concluded by calling for a coordinated approach to harness AI’s potential and unlock economic opportunities, stating, "AI and energy are the twin engines of progress. Two engines. One direction. Fast-forward into the future."