ADNOC CEO signals hydrocarbons’ role in powering AI growth

(WO) - Speaking at the opening of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2026, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology Sultan Al Jaber said global energy demand driven by artificial intelligence and data centers will continue to rely heavily on hydrocarbons, even as renewable capacity expands.

Al Jaber said power demand from data centers could rise more than fivefold over the next 15 years, with overall energy demand increasing alongside urbanization and air travel growth. He argued that more than 70% of future energy demand will still be met by oil and gas, underscoring the need to invest in both hydrocarbons and low-carbon power systems.

The UAE, he said, is positioning its energy strategy around this dual-track approach, combining oil and gas production with large-scale renewable investments through companies such as Masdar and ADNOC, while embedding artificial intelligence across industrial operations to improve efficiency.

Al Jaber also said Masdar has reached 65 GW of installed renewable capacity globally, about two-thirds of its 100-GW target by 2030. He emphasized that stable policy frameworks, infrastructure investment and long-term planning will be critical to meeting rising power demand tied to digitalization and AI-driven growth.

The remarks come as global energy markets weigh how to balance rapid electricity demand growth from AI with grid reliability, fuel supply security and investment discipline across oil, gas and power sectors.