Adnoc is calling for massive investment in energy infrastructure to meet the growing demands of AI and global data centres. Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Adnoc’s managing director and group chief executive, warned that the world cannot run “tomorrow’s economy on yesterday’s grid.”
To begin with, speaking at the Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (Adipec), Dr Al Jaber said meeting the rising energy demand requires over $4 trillion annually. This funding is needed for grids, data centres, and all energy supply sources.
In addition, he explained that AI and data centres increase gas demand, which pressures energy infrastructure. “Gas provides more than a quarter of the baseload power for data centres. The shortage of gas turbines is creating a supply crunch that pushes electricity prices higher,” he said.
Dr Al Jaber also stressed the need for infrastructure to support AI and data centre growth. “We need at least six million kilometres of new transmission lines by 2050. You simply cannot run tomorrow’s economy on yesterday’s grid,” he added.
Furthermore, AI is becoming more integrated into the energy sector. A recent Adnoc-Microsoft report found that one in five companies uses agentic AI. This AI autonomously makes complex decisions across projects and functions. About 88 percent of executives said AI positively impacts energy operations and creates a symbiotic relationship.
Adnoc aims to become the most “AI native energy company.” On Sunday, the firm signed a deal with Microsoft to develop AI agents. These agents will automate production, maintenance, monitoring, and data analysis. They reduce human error by performing routine and complex tasks independently.
Additionally, Adnoc signed three agreements with US-based Gecko Robotics. These deals will implement AI and robotics across its operations. They include multi-year technology deployment for Adnoc Gas, joint training programs with the Adnoc Technical Academy, and AI-powered analytics to reduce downtime.
Ultimately, Dr Al Jaber concluded that these initiatives strengthen the UAE’s global leadership in energy and technology. By investing in AI, robotics, and infrastructure, Adnoc ensures sustainable energy solutions and innovation-driven growth.
