Adnoc, Masdar, XRG, and Microsoft announced a strategic agreement to accelerate artificial intelligence (AI) deployment across Adnoc’s value chain, and to deliver energy solutions for Microsoft’s global AI and data centre growth.

The collaboration was announced at the ENACT Majlis in Abu Dhabi.

Building on Adnoc and Microsoft’s long-established partnership, the expanded agreement brings Masdar and XRG into the fold to develop sustainable energy projects and infrastructure in support of Microsoft’s global AI and data centre expansion.

As part of the agreement, Adnoc and Microsoft will co-develop and deploy AI agents to drive autonomous operations and unlock greater efficiency, building on ADNOC’s successful deployment of AI solutions across its value chain.

Microsoft will also provide advanced AI tools and upskilling programmes, while both companies will explore a joint innovation ecosystem to create transformative solutions for the energy sector.

Dr Sultan Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, Adnoc Managing Director and Group CEO, Executive Chairman of XRG and Chairman of Masdar, said: “As AI continues to reshape how value is created and enhanced across industries, Adnoc, Masdar and XRG are not only embedding AI into every layer of our operations - we are also advancing the energy systems that will power AI itself. Through our partnership with Microsoft, we are unlocking new opportunities to fuel the future of AI, drive greater performance, and future-proof our business.”

Adnoc was the first energy company to roll out generative AI enterprise-wide in November 2023 with Microsoft Copilot.

Since then, more than 40,000 employees have completed AI training, with utilization rates above 90% and over 70,000 hours per month in productivity gained to date.

Brad Smith, Vice Chair and President of Microsoft, added: “No single company or industry can meet this moment alone. Accelerating the transition to a more sustainable, secure, and inclusive energy future requires deep collaboration between governments, energy providers, technology companies, and innovators everywhere.” -OGN/TradeArabia News Service